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A popular TikToker in Kano, Ashiru Idris, also known as Maiwushirya, has been remanded in prison custody on the orders of a Magistrate Court for allegedly posting indecent videos involving a dwarf woman on social media.

The presiding Magistrate, Halima Wali, of Magistrate Court No. 7, ordered that the suspect be kept in custody for two weeks pending the continuation of the suit instituted against him by the state Film and Video Censorship Board.

Officials of the Censorship Board had last week arrested Idris after videos went viral online, showing him shirtless engaging in what authorities described as ‘immoral and demeaning acts’ with the unidentified woman.

The Board said the videos contravened the state’s censorship laws, which prohibit the distribution of obscene or sexually suggestive materials.

The Censorship Board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, said the court also ordered the appearance of the woman involved in the videos at the next sitting.

‘The court has directed that the woman should appear before the next hearing. We had earlier asked the suspect to help us locate her, but he refused. Now that the court has issued the order, we’re confident of finding her,’ he said.

Sulaiman further disclosed that the woman is believed to have fled to Zamfara State, but efforts are ongoing to ensure her return to Kano to face trial alongside the TikToker.

A medical doctor and army officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Office, has died after he was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Sources said the couple had a heated argument before his wife allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire while he was asleep.

‘The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further treatment,’ one source said.

However, despite efforts by medical personnel, Haruna succumbed to his injuries due to the extent of the burns.

It was gathered that Mrs. Haruna has been arrested and is currently in custody as investigations into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, Dr. Obadiah Dalong, father of the deceased’s wife, confirmed the incident but offered a different version of events.

Speaking from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dalong claimed the fire was accidental, saying the deceased had earlier bought petrol in a gallon, which he kept in their room.

He said, ‘On Monday, the victim incidentally lit a lighter, which caused the room to catch fire. Both husband and wife ran outside, but while the room was still burning, he remembered his credentials and other important documents inside. He rushed back to retrieve them but was badly injured. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.’

Dalong added that both the deceased and his wife were from the same Mwaghavul tribe in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

An official 18-seater bus attached to the police unit of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been reportedly stolen by suspected car thieves in Abuja.

A security source, who confirmed the theft of the bus to our reporter via telephone on Tuesday, said the white 18-seater Hiace bus, with registration number FG283 U10, was stolen on Monday at Gwarimpa Corner Shop, Abuja.

The bus is attached to the INEC police unit, he said.

He disclosed that the bus was driven by a senior police officer who went to visit a friend at 3rd Avenue, Corner Shop, Gwarimpa.

He added that when the officer later came out of his friend’s house, he could not find the bus.

‘Actually, the senior police officer, who is a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), went to see a friend at Gwarimpa 3rd Avenue on Monday and it was raining at that time. Shortly after the rain subsided, he came out of his friend’s room and discovered the bus was not where he parked it,’ he said.

He said the police officer had already reported the stolen bus at the Gwarimpa Police Division and had also notified the FCT Police Control Room.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said she was not aware of the theft but promised to find out from the Gwarimpa Police Division and revert.

However, she did not as at the time of filing the report yesterday.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgement in a suit filed by the Osun State Government seeking to stop the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing the withheld local government funds to the disputed officials who were elected on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

A seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Aba’aji reserved judgement after taking arguments from counsel to Osun State, Musbau Adetumbi (SAN), and counsel to the AGF, Akin Olujimi (SAN).

The panel announced that the date for the judgement would be communicated to the parties when it is ready.

In the suit with number: SC/CV/773/2023, the Osun Attorney General sought an order of the apex court directing the AGF to immediately release the statutory allocations to chairmen and councillors validly elected for the 30 local government areas of Osun State.

While arguing the case of the state government, Adetumbi pleaded with the panel to uphold his arguments and grant all the reliefs sought, as the election that brought in the APC local government chairmen and councillors had been nullified by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Objecting to the submission, Olujimi asked the apex court to dismiss the Osun case for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as the matter was between two political parties.

The senior lawyer argued that the suit did not disclose any cause of action, adding that the tenure of the disputed council chairmen is still running till October 22 and that the proper thing was for the statutory allocation to be released to them to run the councils.

The Osun State Government had earlier informed a Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out the name of the AGF following the action it commenced at the apex court challenging his failure to comply with subsisting judgments of both the Federal High Court, Osogbo Division, delivered on November 30, 2022, and the Court of Appeal ruling of June 13, 2025, which recognised the local government chairmen and councillors elected on February 22, 2025.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stated that it is targeting double revenue from its cashless operations which started on 29th September 2025.

Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku made the disclosure in Abuja on Monday at the launch of the Operation-Go-Cashless at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

She said, ‘Following its successful launch in the dynamic city of Lagos, I am proud to officially announce the full deployment of ‘OPERATION GO CASHLESS here in Abuja, the Centre of Excellence. This is a comprehensive, cashless, and contactless payment solution for all our airports.

‘Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.

‘For you, our passengers, this means faster, more secure transactions and an end to the delays of cash handling. It is a direct response to your call for modern, efficient, and world-class service,’

Represented by Adebola Joy Agunbiade, Director Commercial and Business Development (FAAN), she said, ‘By the time we go cashless, we intend to grow our revenue between 75 to 100 per cent. Over 300,000 motorist come in and out of our gates every day in Lagos and Abuja Airport so we should double the revenue we are making in the next 6months.’

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled a N25 million Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The RHI Coordinator in FCT, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said at the event in Abuja on Monday that 500 women would benefit from the RHI Recapitalization grant in the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for generously donating N1 billion to the initiative. (NAN)

According to her, this significant contribution will benefit 18,500 women across the country: 500 women each from the 36 states and the FCT.

She said that each of the 18,500 women would receive N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their businesses. (NAN)

Nigeria’s football scene takes center stage this week as two of the nation’s youth teams prepare for major global showdowns – the Flying Eagles at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile and the Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

In Santiago, Chile, the Flying Eagles are gearing up for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday night. The matchup rekindles one of world football’s most thrilling rivalries, with both nations sharing a rich history at youth and senior levels.

Nigeria famously stunned Argentina 2-0 two years ago when the South Americans hosted the U20 tournament, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki.

Despite Argentina’s illustrious record, Nigeria – twice runners-up (1989, 2005) and once bronze medalists (1985) – enter the contest with confidence and purpose. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s team fought resiliently through the group stage, securing four points against Saudi Arabia and Colombia. In their final group match, captain Daniel Bameyi’s calm penalty ensured a deserved draw against the Colombians, a game Nigeria largely dominated.

The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago on Monday evening and will train on Tuesday ahead of the high-stakes encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos. However, they will be without forward Suleman Sani, suspended after two yellow cards.

Meanwhile, in women’s football, the U17 Flamingos are set to fly out from Abuja to Morocco early Wednesday aboard Royal Air Maroc. The team will camp in Casablanca before moving to Rabat for the World Cup. During their build-up, they will face New Zealand on October 10 and Paraguay on October 14 in friendly matches.

Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on October 19, face France three days later, and round off group action against Samoa on October 25 – all in Sale.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament with remarkable form, scoring 44 goals without conceding in 10 preparatory matches. Their blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity signals Nigeria’s growing dominance in global youth football.

Meanwhile,the Super Eagles’ camp in Polokwane, South Africa is buzzing with activity as 15 new players arrived yesterday bringing the total number of players in camp to 17 ahead of ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with the Crocodiles of Lesotho scheduled for Friday.

Those already in camp as at press time include Troost Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.

Nigeria has called on the Republic of Benin to release its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who is currently facing trial in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, Nigeria expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Egbaji.

Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the country’s capital, under dehumanising conditions while his health deteriorated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou indicated that Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.

She stated that the ministry had made a spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

The minister, who in early August, visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.

She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to its request.

Noting the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood, she urged the country to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled the key qualities it will demand from aspirants seeking to contest under its platform in 2027.

Speaking at the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark said the party would field only candidates who meet its ‘four-pillar standard’ of character, competence, courage, and discipline.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has been championing the coalition idea since his defeat as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 and has emerged as one of the ADC’s leaders, is widely believed to be positioning himself for another presidential bid after six previous attempts. His decision to champion the emergence of the coalition is seen as a strategic move to lead a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

However, there have been persistent speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan may also emerge as a consensus candidate within the coalition, given his close ties to some influential southern and northern blocs within the ADC. Party insiders say Jonathan’s name continues to feature prominently in informal consultations, although he has yet to make any public statement on the matter.

Penultimate week, Jonathan visited Mark at his Abuja residence. Mark was Senate President during the administration of Jonathan between 2010-2015. While the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told Daily Trust the visit was private, observers believe it could be linked to 2027 permutations, with the ADC said to be considering the acceptability of a Jonathan candidacy.

Meanwhile, both 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi have openly indicated interest in contesting, even pledging to serve only a single term under a North-South zoning arrangement. The declaration, analysts say, could shape negotiations within the ADC coalition as it works to finalise its power-sharing and zoning arrangements ahead of 2027.

But speaking on Tuesday, Mark said, ‘We will field only credible and viable candidates who meet our four-pillar standard. Nigerians will accept nothing less.’

‘Our mission goes beyond winning elections; it is to build a leadership model that restores trust, reforms governance, and leaves a legacy that future generations will be proud of.’

‘To do this, we will build a party that outlives us all. Other parties revolve around individuals; the ADC will revolve around rules, policies, programmes, people, and results. We will insist on team spirit, collaboration, and internal democracy. The supremacy we seek is the supremacy of our constitution and institutions-over everything: personality, improvisation, and idiosyncrasy.

‘Our mission is not only to attain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy which the future generations will be proud to inherit. We are in a marathon we must complete-and win. Failure is not an option,’ he said.

Mark stressed that the ADC must depart from the culture of self-serving politics that has long defined Nigeria’s leadership.

‘We begin with a conviction that Nigeria can, and will, work for everyone-and with a commitment to build a party bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment and positively different from any party in the annals of our country,’ he said.

He said the party’s broader objectives include strengthening institutional independence, promoting transparency, and implementing economic reforms that translate into real improvements in citizens’ lives. ‘Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not improve their lives. Judge us by what Nigerians feel in their daily lives-more reliable power, visible projects, and decent work,’ he said.

He added that the NWC ‘has urgent tasks. We must review our constitution to reflect the new order, develop a code of ethics, financing rules, and compliance systems. We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks. And we will field only credible and viable candidates who meet the 4-pillar standard-Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline.

‘Nigeria and Nigerians-will accept nothing less. The political class has too often served itself. We must change this outdated pattern. We must model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere-public, private, and civic. Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children.’

Mark also pledged that an ADC-led government would restore the separation of powers and ensure judicial and legislative independence. ‘The judiciary must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will support a merit-based, efficient, and trusted bench-one that prioritises justice over technicalities,’ he stated.

On foreign policy, Mark said the ADC would pursue a ‘Pan-African and pragmatic’ approach focused on regional integration, diaspora investment, and trade expansion within Africa to promote stability and shared prosperity.

Party sets up registration committee

Meanwhile, the NWC resolved to consolidate the coalition’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections by setting up several committees, including the Membership Registration Committee, Constitution Review Committee, Policy Advocacy Committee, and Party Rebranding Committee.

A senior source at the meeting told Daily Trust that the registration committee was mandated to oversee a nationwide membership drive aimed at integrating new members and formalising the status of opposition leaders who have been working with the ADC coalition.

Although former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal have all aligned with the ADC-led coalition, they are yet to formally register as members.

The party had previously granted them a waiver to remain in their legacy parties during the August by-elections, as many of their supporters had already obtained nomination forms under those platforms. But weeks after the polls, they have yet to make their defection official, fuelling speculation about the coalition’s direction.

In a recent Trust TV interview, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, maintained that the former vice president’s alignment with the ADC was ‘irreversible’ despite not having collected his membership card. ‘Atiku has attended all ADC stakeholders’ meetings, as have Peter Obi and El-Rufai,’ he said.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said after the meeting that the registration exercise was designed to ‘translate the coalition into a functional political movement’ and prepare the party for its forthcoming congresses and primaries.

The senator representing Enugu East, Kelvin Chukwu, has officially dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His letter of defection was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at plenary on Wednesday.

The senator, in the letter, said his defection followed a wide consultation with his constituents and other stakeholders.

Chukwu is one of the 43 federal lawmakers – eight Senators and 35 House of Representatives members – that the LP produced in the 2023 elections.

However, some of the lawmakers have since dumped the party which gave them the platform through which they were elected.

Commenting on the development after 8 reps dumped LP in December, Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the party, described their action as ‘irrational, untenable, inconsistent and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands for’.

‘Section 68(g) of the 1999 constitution is emphatic on when to defect and what happens when a lawmaker sponsored by a political party decides to jump ship. The Constitution states (g) being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected;

Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.’

‘Since the formation of Labour Party in 2002, the party has been very active in the political scene having in the past produced a governor and several other elected officers across board. But it was in the 2023 general election that it achieved its highest feat under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure having won a governorship seat, 8 Senate and 35 House of Representative seats as well as numerous state House of Assembly seats. The party also caused a major upset at the presidential election, one that many Nigerians still believed that Labour Party won.’