2025 | Page 78 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

Former President Muhammadu Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari was buried on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites, following his death in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 83. The funeral, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and a host of national and international dignitaries, marked the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most influential and polarizing leaders. Buhari’s body was flown from London aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and received with full honors at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport before being transported to Daura for burial. Islamic funeral prayers were held at the Daura Central Mosque, after which the late president was interred at his private residence amid tight security and a crowd of thousands, including traditional rulers, religious clerics, and citizens from across the country. President Tinubu paid tribute to his predecessor, describing Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.” Buhari, who first ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was widely known for his anti-corruption drive, disciplined leadership, and conservative policies. His passing has triggered nationwide mourning, with funeral prayers (Salat al-Gha’ib) held across many Nigerian states in his honor, including large gatherings in Gombe, Kano, and Kaduna. As Nigeria bids farewell to a former head of state whose leadership spanned both military and civilian eras, tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, African institutions, and citizens reflecting on Buhari’s controversial but impactful legacy.

Thousands Hold Funeral Prayers in Gombe for Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

GOMBE, Nigeria – July 15, 2025Thousands of mourners across Gombe State gathered on Tuesday to offer Salat al-Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at the age of 83. The largest prayer gathering took place outside the Pantami Township Stadium, where Islamic clerics led the faithful in solemn prayers, invoking Allah’s mercy and seeking eternal rest for the late president in Jannatul Firdaus. Speaking at the event, Sheikh Usman Bello praised Buhari’s legacy: “We are here to seek Allah’s mercy for our former president. He served this country with dedication. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest level of paradise.” Many residents expressed a deep sense of loss, despite Buhari’s passing occurring far from home. “He may have passed away in London, but we in Gombe feel the pain. He was a father figure to many of us,” said Ibrahim Adamu, a local trader who attended the prayer with his children. Fatima Yakubu, a student at the Federal University, Kashere, said Buhari’s leadership motivated many young Nigerians to consider public service. “He stood for discipline and integrity. Whether you agreed with all his policies or not, his presence on the national stage was powerful. We pray Allah accepts him and comforts his family.” According to reports from local mosques and community groups, similar prayer sessions were held across various neighborhoods and open spaces in Gombe, all conducted peacefully in an outpouring of respect for the late president. Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, anti-corruption agenda, and conservative governance style. His death has triggered nationwide mourning, with tributes pouring in from citizens, religious leaders, and international dignitaries.

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.