Author: Aminu Imam

Bandits halt farming, demand new levies in Sokoto communities

Aminu Imam
Bandits halt farming in Sokoto

Residents of at least 26 communities in Sabon-Birni local government area of Sokoto State have begun raising funds to pay fresh levies imposed by bandits, who have also suspended farming activities ahead of the rainy season. Sources said the armed groups issued a 3-day ultimatum, warning farmers to stay away from their farmlands until the demanded payments were made. The affected communities include Zululu, Gardi, Katsira, Garin Idi, Kafchi, Rambaɗawa, Nasarawa and several others. A resident disclosed that the bandits threatened to kill or abduct anyone found farming during the…

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2027: ADC declares Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

Aminu Imam
ADC declares Amaechi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election. According to reports, ADC said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives of all geo-political zones.  “The National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives of all geopolitical zones, is proud to announce that Chibuike Rotimi…

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“Poverty, out-of-school children driving insecurity in the North” — NSGF

Aminu Imam
NSGF on North's insecurity

Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has identified widespread poverty, youth unemployment and the growing number of out-of-school children as major factors fuelling insecurity across northern Nigeria. Speaking yesterday at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held in Dutse, Jigawa State, Governor Yahaya said the region’s security challenges are deeply rooted in decades of underdevelopment and social deprivation. According to him, about 86 million people in Northern Nigeria, representing 65 per cent of the region’s population, are living…

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Kaduna And The Future Of Urban Transport

Aminu Imam
Kaduna urban transport

Across the world, modern cities are increasingly embracing the concept of multimodal transportation systems, an integrated approach that combines buses, rail, non-motorised mobility and alternative energy transport into one coordinated urban network.  From London to Dubai, from Lagos to Kigali, city planners now understand that no single transport system can efficiently serve growing urban populations. Efficient cities depend on interconnected mobility systems that reduce congestion, improve productivity and enhance quality of life.  Kaduna is gradually positioning itself within this modern urban thinking. The administration of Governor Uba Sani is determined…

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IMF urges Nigeria to tax fuel, telecoms to boost revenue

Aminu Imam
IMF urges Nigeria

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that Nigeria introduce taxes on fuel products and telecommunications services to raise government revenue, according to its 2026 Article IV Consultation report – even as Nigerians protest a worsening standard of living amid widespread insurgency. The IMF called for measures including raising the VAT rate, extending VAT to fuel, and introducing telecom excise duties, while cautioning that timing must account for rising poverty and food insecurity, and that cash transfer systems must first be in place. Both proposals face strong headwinds. A previous…

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Bandits kill 17 farmers in Zamfara

Aminu Imam
Zamfara bandits attack

…As Amnesty Int’l slams FG over insecurity No fewer than 17 farmers have been reportedly killed by suspected bandits following an attack on farmlands in Goron-Namaye community of Maradun local government area of Zamfara State, according to Amnesty International Nigeria. The human rights organisation, which disclosed the incident in a statement posted on its verified 𝕏 handle, said the attack occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, when armed bandits stormed farmlands in the area, killing farmers and leaving several others injured. “On Friday 12 June 2026, bandits invaded farmlands at…

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Ondo: Bandits kidnap traditional ruler, shoot wife during palace attack

Aminu Imam
Ondo bandits kidnap

Suspected bandits have abducted Oba Adeniyi Adelana, the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo local government area of Ondo state. The monarch, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village, was reportedly abducted on Saturday night, when gunmen invaded his palace. Spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement. He said the monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and is receiving treatment. According to the Police, the incident occurred at about 8:05 pm when approximately six armed men stormed the residence of…

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FCT: Brother chains sister for 4yrs over business dispute

Aminu Imam
FCT brother chains sister

A woman has been rescued from alleged captivity in the Mpape area of Maitama Extension, Abuja, after reportedly spending four years chained inside a locked room by her brother following a dispute over a business venture. According to eyewitnesses, the woman and her brother had jointly established a cement business. However, a disagreement allegedly arose over ownership and profits, leading to claims that the brother declared her mentally unstable and confined her in order to prevent her from asserting her stake in the enterprise. The shocking situation reportedly came to…

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SERAP sues NNPCL over alleged ₦5.9bn rebranding cost

Aminu Imam
SERAP sues NNPCL

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its alleged failure to account for about ₦5.9 billion reportedly spent on the incorporation, transition and rebranding of NNPC into NNPCL. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1248/2026, was filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel the NNPCL to account for the funds allegedly spent on the rebranding exercise. According to SERAP, the NNPC reportedly paid ₦2.9 billion for incorporation expenses…

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Kemi Badenoch slams Nigerian leaders over power crisis

Aminu Imam
Badenoch slams Nigerian leaders

…Cites “stupid public policy” Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has launched a blistering critique against Nigerian political leadership, citing the country’s persistent lack of electricity despite its massive crude oil wealth as a prime example of how “stupid public policy” can ruin a nation. Speaking in a published interview yesterday, the British politician used her experience of growing up in Nigeria during the military dictatorships of the 1980s and 1990s to warn Western nations against aggressive state control over energy sectors. Badenoch argued that natural…

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