July 2025 | Page 25 of 48

Tinubu, Global Dignitaries Attend Buhari’s Burial in Daura

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a host of dignitaries, including former African leaders, state governors, and international envoys, gathered in Daura on Tuesday for the final burial rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London hospital. The late president was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic customs, shortly after the arrival of his body aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. The burial took place at his private residence following funeral prayers held at the Daura Central Mosque. President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, led the federal government delegation. He was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, several former heads of state, and governors from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Also present were dignitaries from Niger, Chad, Ghana, and Sudan, as well as representatives of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations. In a somber tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a towering patriot and disciplined leader who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication.” “We are here today not just to bury a former president, but to honor a statesman who dedicated his life to this country’s unity and integrity,” Tinubu said. Security was tight throughout Daura, with thousands of mourners lining the streets to pay their last respects to a man affectionately known as “Baba Mai Gaskiya” — meaning “Man of Truth” in Hausa. Buhari, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and then as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, left behind a legacy marked by anti-corruption efforts, security reforms, and a commitment to national cohesion. His burial marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s post-independence political history, as tributes continue to pour in from global leaders and institutions.

Tinubu Arrives in Katsina to Receives Buhari’s Body as Nation Mourns Late Former President

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

KATSINA, NIGERIA – July 15, 2025President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Katsina State to receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. The presidential jet carrying Tinubu landed at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport at 1:45 p.m., where he was welcomed by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, several state governors, senior federal officials, traditional rulers, and top security chiefs. Tinubu’s arrival formally kicks off the state burial ceremonies for the late leader, whose remains are to be laid to rest later Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic traditions. Earlier in the day, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu also arrived in Katsina to join the Buhari family and other dignitaries for the solemn occasion. Thousands of mourners, including political allies, royal figures, and ordinary Nigerians, have gathered in Katsina and Daura to pay their last respects to the man fondly called Baba Mai Gaskiya — Hausa for “Man of Truth.” Security has been significantly increased in the region, with heightened presence around key areas in anticipation of large crowds. Buhari, who first led Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, is remembered for his austere lifestyle, strong anti-corruption drive, and commitment to national unity and security. In a tribute following the announcement of Buhari’s death, President Tinubu described his predecessor as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.” Buhari’s interment in Daura will mark the end of a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s political history, as condolences continue to pour in from world leaders and international institutions.

Senate Blocks Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Return Despite Court Ruling

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Nigerian Senate has refused to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a Federal High Court ruling declaring her six-month suspension unconstitutional. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct. However, in a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, the Federal High Court held that her suspension was “excessive and violated her constitutional rights.” Following the judgment, her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Numa, formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume legislative duties on July 15, 2025. The notification was sent via a letter dated July 11 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. But in a reply dated July 14, the Senate rejected the move, stating there was no explicit court directive mandating her recall. The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling on behalf of the Clerk, stated: “There’s no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025, by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako, for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with.” The Senate argued that the court merely offered a declaratory judgment, suggesting that the chamber may choose to exercise its power to recall her but was not compelled to do so. Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, reinforced this stance, saying: “The judgment did not include any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.” Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team insists that the judgment is binding under Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution and demands her immediate reinstatement, citing the court’s finding that the Senate’s action violated her constitutional rights. As of now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, with the Senate maintaining that she lacks legal standing to resume her seat pending a formal decision from the chamber. The standoff raises constitutional questions about the limits of legislative authority in the face of judicial intervention.

Over 1,100 Nigerians Killed, 276 Abducted in June Under Tinubu’s Watch — Security Report

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A new report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited has revealed that at least 1,111 Nigerians werekilled and 276 abducted by terrorists, bandits, and other armed groups across the country in June 2025, despite a noticeable decline in overall security incidents compared to the previous month. According to the report, security incidents fell significantly by 48.04%, dropping from 895 in May to 465 in June. Fatalities also declined by 14.27%, from 1,296 in May to 1,111 in June, while abductions dropped sharply by 74.59%, from 1,086 to 276. However, civilian casualties remained alarmingly high, making up 72.37% (804 deaths) of the total fatalities recorded in June. The report cited farmer-herder clashes as a major driver of deaths in the North-Central region, while the North-West recorded the highest number of abductions, accounting for 72.10% of the total kidnapped victims. For the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the report noted a slight 1.95% decrease in security incidents compared to Q1 (2,359 in Q1 vs. 2,313 in Q2). Despite the drop in incidents, fatalities rose by 5.66% — from 3,301 in Q1 to 3,499 in Q2. Fatality spikes were particularly high in the North-Central (+34.97%), North-West (+5.36%), and North-East (+12.04%) regions. Abductions in Q2 decreased by 11.45%, with 2,540 reported cases compared to 2,862 in Q1. All three northern regions experienced notable declines in kidnapping cases during the period. In the first half of 2025, Nigeria recorded 4,672 security incidents, marking a 9.21% increase compared to the first half of 2024. Fatalities in the same period surged to 6,800 — a 13.67% rise from H2 2024 and a staggering 19.11% increase from H1 2024. Zamfara State emerged as the most affected in terms of both killings and abductions, recording 1,088 deaths and 1,755 kidnappings within the six-month period. The report highlighted the ongoing threats in the North-West and North-East regions from armed non-state actors, including ideological insurgents and bandits. It also flagged increasing violence in the North-Central zone, especially in Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, with frequent armed attacks, abductions, and raids on rural communities. The grim statistics come amid mounting pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the country’s deteriorating security landscape.

Trump’s Ukraine Weapons Pledge Signals Possible Confrontation Says Moscow Analyst

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

MOSCOW — Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent pledge to supply more weapons to Ukraine may signal the start of a new, more confrontational phase in U.S.-Russia relations, according to Moscow-based foreign policy analyst Andrey Kortunov. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Kortunov said Moscow is closely watching how Trump balances domestic expectations with his foreign policy strategy. “Expectation management is the name of the game in Moscow,” Kortunov said. “If you look back at Trump’s first term, there were high hopes of resetting relations with Russia, but ultimately, those negotiations led nowhere.” With Trump potentially seeking a breakthrough in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Kortunov noted it remains an “open question” whether the Kremlin would be willing to give Trump a diplomatic “win.” “It depends on how much Trump will need to claim victory,” he said. “I imagine there are many consultations happening behind closed doors between Moscow and Washington — the key is whether both Trump and [President Vladimir] Putin can walk away from a deal looking like winners to their domestic audiences.” The analyst’s comments come amid growing speculation about backchannel talks between the U.S. and Russia, as both sides weigh potential outcomes of the war that would satisfy political imperatives at home.

Police Arrest Two Factory Workers for Murder of Chinese National in Ogun

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two factory workers in connection with the gruesome murder of a Chinese national, Mr. Chen Wang, in Ogere, Ogun State, following an extensive multi-state investigation. Wang, an employee of WH Great Resource Ltd., was found dead in his office on January 12, 2025, with multiple stab wounds. His killing triggered a high-level investigation led by the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Yunusa Abdullahi from Borno State and 20-year-old Peace Keno Danlami from Taraba State, were reportedly lovers who took advantage of reduced staffing on the day of the incident. Police say the duo disabled the factory’s security systems before accessing Wang’s office, where they allegedly stabbed him to death. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects also stole keys to Wang’s residence, broke into his home, and fled the state with stolen money. “After months of technical surveillance and digital forensics, operatives tracked the suspects to Jos, Plateau State, where they were arrested on July 14, 2025, allegedly living under false identities,” Adejobi said. Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the Ogun State Police Command, the TIU, and all detectives involved in the case, describing their efforts as “diligent, professional, and relentless.” He also reassured both Nigerian citizens and the international community of the police’s commitment to ensuring safety and justice through intelligence-led policing. The suspects are currently in custody and will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Tragedy in AAUA: Missing Students Found Dead in Ondo Forest

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE – The two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who were declared missing three weeks ago, have been found dead. The bodies of Andrel Eloho Okah, a student in the Department of History and International Studies, and John Friday Abba, of the Department of Economics, were discovered over the weekend in a forested area near the border between Ondo and Ekiti states. The students, both in their second year, had been reported missing by their coursemates after failing to return to campus or attend lectures. A search was launched a week after their disappearance, and the matter was reported to the police. A security source, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, confirmed the recovery of the bodies. “It’s sad to inform you that the two missing AAUA students have been killed by their suspected abductors. Their corpses were found where they were dumped,” the source said, adding that security personnel were dispatched to retrieve the remains. A student of the university, who preferred not to be named, also confirmed the grim discovery. “It’s true. Their corpses have been found in the bush. The campus is in mourning. There’s a heavy cloud of sadness everywhere,” he said. The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the command is aware of the incident and investigations are ongoing. She promised to provide more details as they emerge. The tragic development has plunged the university community into grief, as colleagues and friends mourn the sudden and violent loss of the two young scholars.

Body of Former President Buhari Departs London for Burial in Katsina

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

LONDON/DAURA — The remains of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari have departed London aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, ahead of his state burial scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to Buhari, confirmed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Tuesday. The late president’s body is accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials. Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital after a prolonged, undisclosed illness. He was 82 years old. In honour of the former leader, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday to facilitate the state burial and allow Nigerians to pay their last respects. The late president, widely regarded for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, hailed from Daura in Nigeria’s northwestern region. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Initial plans for his body to arrive on Monday were delayed, prompting adjustments to the burial arrangements. Ahmad stated that the body is now expected to land in Katsina at noon on Tuesday, with funeral prayers scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites. Buhari’s passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.