Home Blog Page 216

Hisbah Cancels Kano TikTokers’ Wedding, Reopens Legal Case

 

The planned wedding between popular Kano-based TikTok personalities Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira ‘Yar Guda has been cancelled by the Kano State Hisbah Board, which has also decided to reopen legal proceedings against the duo.

According to the Islamic morality enforcement agency, the union, which had been referred to Hisbah for formalisation, was discovered to be a sham arrangement aimed at evading ongoing court action against the social media couple.

Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Dr. Mujahedeen Aminuddeen, confirmed the development, saying that an internal investigation revealed that the proposed marriage lacked sincerity.

“After our investigation, we found that the proposed marriage was not genuine but rather an attempt to escape legal consequences. The board therefore decided to cancel it to prevent future disputes,” Dr. Aminuddeen stated.

He added that although both content creators had completed medical screening and blood compatibility tests, the board decided to halt further arrangements.

The matter, he said, would be returned to court if the parties fail to reach reconciliation.

Earlier this year, Magistrate Halima Wali of a Kano Magistrate Court had suspended her ruling on charges of “immoral conduct” filed against the pair by the Kano State Censorship Board, after a controversial video posted by Wushirya went viral.

During the trial, both defendants declared in open court that they were lovers and had intended to marry even before their prosecution.

Based on that confession, the court referred them to the Hisbah Board to facilitate their wedding according to Islamic tradition, granting the board 60 days to complete the process and report back if the marriage did not take place.

However, the Hisbah investigation later determined that the supposed romance was fabricated, leading to the official cancellation.

The case attracted massive public attention and backlash, with some reports claiming that the court had ordered a forced marriage between the two TikTokers.

But the Kano State Judiciary has since dismissed those claims.

In an interview with The Guardian, judiciary spokesperson Baba Jibo clarified that the court never issued such an order.

“For emphasis, Magistrate Wali never ruled on any forced marriage,” Jibo said.

“The court simply suspended its ruling and, for fairness, referred the couple to Hisbah to formalise their alleged relationship.”

He explained that both Wushirya and Yar Guda had insisted during proceedings that they were in love, with Yar Guda stating she would only marry Idris if he provided his own accommodation instead of a rented apartment.

“Those were the statements that led the court to allow the Hisbah process,” Jibo added.

“Unfortunately, the situation was misunderstood and misrepresented online.”

Google search engine

Why Pregnant Women Should Stop Having Sex At 36 Weeks – Gynaecologists

 

Maternal health experts have cautioned pregnant women to avoid sexual intercourse once they reach 36 weeks of pregnancy, citing health and safety concerns for both mother and baby.

While sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most women, gynaecologists whose interview was monitored by DAILY GAZETTE said couples should exercise restraint as delivery approaches to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Joseph Akinde explained that the main reason for advising against sex from 36 weeks onward is to protect the mother and unborn child from possible infections.

“Women are advised to stop intercourse from about 36 weeks onwards to minimise infection risks,” Akinde said.

“Although semen contains prostaglandins that may help the cervix prepare for labour, the evidence is weak and speculative.”

He added that while some believe sex close to delivery could hasten labour, scientific studies have not conclusively proven this claim.

Supporting this position, Professor Oluwarotimi Akinola, former president of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), said there is no medical rule either for or against sex during pregnancy.

“Sex in pregnancy is mainly for intimacy and emotional bonding, not a medical necessity,” he explained.

“However, there are times to be cautious, early in pregnancy, when miscarriage risk is high, and late in pregnancy, when the chance of infection increases.”

Akinola stressed that the belief semen can soften the cervix is largely anecdotal, not scientific. “It’s not a prescription,” he said.

“We don’t tell couples to have sex to induce labour.”

He, however, acknowledged that maintaining intimacy can help couples stay emotionally connected, especially during the stresses of pregnancy.

“It helps in keeping families together and maintaining closeness, but it should never compromise safety,” he noted.

Offering a contrasting opinion, Professor Ernest Orji, another consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said that for most women, sexual activity remains safe even beyond 36 weeks.

“There’s no problem with sex throughout pregnancy unless there’s a medical concern such as previous miscarriage or vaginal bleeding,” he said.

According to Orji, regular sexual activity in late pregnancy can enhance emotional bonding between partners and may even help initiate labour naturally.

“Sex helps in marital bonding, emotional well-being, and reducing infidelity,” he said.

“In fact, some studies show that regular intercourse in late pregnancy can help soften the cervix and prepare the body for delivery.”

He advised that couples should adjust their sexual positions to ensure comfort and avoid pressure on the abdomen, emphasizing that communication and consent are key.

“Any position comfortable for the woman is acceptable. The goal is emotional connection, not discomfort,” he added.

While experts differ on whether sex should continue until delivery, they agree on one point, every woman’s pregnancy is different.

The safest approach is to follow individual medical advice and prioritize both maternal and fetal health.

“If a woman has any complication, infection, bleeding, or premature contractions, abstinence is advised,” Dr. Akinde concluded.

Google search engine

Lagos DPO Dies After Surgery

 

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the passing of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Matilda Ngbaronye, who served as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, Ngbaronye died on Friday, October 24, 2025, following a surgical procedure at Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

Adebisi described the late officer as an exemplary and disciplined professional who upheld the finest traditions of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Lagos State Police Command deeply regrets to announce the passing of the Divisional Police Officer, Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbaronye, who sadly passed away after undergoing surgery,” the statement read in part.

“The Command mourns the loss of a truly upright and dedicated officer who served with unwavering professionalism, discipline, and integrity. Her friendly nature and humane approach to policing helped strengthen the relationship between the Police and the community she served.”

The statement noted that Ngbaronye was well respected among colleagues for her commitment to duty and her leadership qualities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has extended condolences to the officer’s family, including her husband and elder brother, a priest, as well as her aged mother.

He described her death as “a rude shock and an irreplaceable loss” to the Command.

“The CP, on behalf of all officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command, commiserates with her family and prays that God grants them the strength to bear this painful loss,” Adebisi added.

Details of the burial arrangements, the Command said, will be announced later.

CSP Matilda Ngbaronye was widely admired for her professionalism, warmth, and service to humanity.

Her passing marks the loss of one of the Command’s most diligent officers.

May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Google search engine

Catherine Connolly Elected President Of Ireland In Landslide Victory

 

Ireland has elected left-wing independent Catherine Connolly as its next president, following a decisive victory in Saturday’s election marked by voter discontent and a record number of spoiled ballots.

Connolly, 68, a lawyer, long-time lawmaker, and outspoken critic of both the United States and the European Union, secured over 63% of the vote, far ahead of her centrist rival Heather Humphreys, who managed 29.5%.

Despite her commanding win, the election drew controversy as nearly 13% of the 1.65 million votes were declared invalid, the highest proportion of spoiled ballots in Ireland’s modern history.

Many conservative groups had urged voters to spoil their ballots in protest over the limited choice of candidates and broader dissatisfaction with immigration and crime policies.

Speaking at Dublin Castle after being officially declared the winner, Connolly said it would be “an absolute privilege” to serve as president.

“For those who didn’t vote for me and even those who spoiled their ballots, I want to be a president who listens to all voices,” she added.

Connolly, who takes office next month for a seven-year term, will succeed Michael D. Higgins, 84, who has held the largely ceremonial role since 2011.

In her victory speech, Connolly pledged to champion Ireland’s neutrality, promote peace, and highlight the “existential threat” of climate change.

Her election could signal a period of tension between the presidency and the coalition government led by Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose Fianna Fáil party governs in partnership with Fine Gael.

Martin congratulated Connolly for running an “impactful campaign,” saying he looked forward to working with her “as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage.”

The unusually high number of invalid votes reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the election process. Calls to “spoil your vote” circulated online after a conservative Catholic hopeful failed to secure enough parliamentary nominations to make the ballot.

Although a Fianna Fáil candidate had withdrawn earlier this month, his name remained on the ballot and still drew around 7% of votes.

Polls before the election suggested nearly half of voters felt they lacked a candidate who represented their views.

Even so, turnout reached 46%, slightly higher than the 2018 presidential election.

Connolly’s campaign, backed by Sinn Féin and other left-wing groups, gained rapid momentum in the final weeks.

Analysts suggest her victory demonstrates a growing appetite among Irish voters for alternatives to the long-dominant centrist parties.

Political scientist Lisa Keenan of Trinity College Dublin described the result as “a statement of intent” from Ireland’s left.

“There’s a clear ambition to end the historical dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil,” she said.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald praised the outcome, calling it proof that Irish politics is ready for change.

“This result shows the potential for an alternative, for a politics of hope, activism and inclusion,” McDonald said.

Connolly, known for her Irish-language fluency and pro-Palestinian stance, has also expressed support for Irish reunification and skepticism over Europe’s rising military expenditure.

Google search engine

JUST IN: National Assembly Approves Creation Of New State For South East

 

The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South East region, marking a major step toward addressing decades-long regional imbalance in the country’s federal structure.

The decision, which emerged at the end of a two-day retreat in Lagos, means the South East could soon have six states instead of five, bringing it in line with other geopolitical zones that have six or seven states.

The retreat was presided over by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

During deliberations on 55 separate proposals for new states, Kalu, a prominent advocate for an additional state in the South East, said the committee’s decision was rooted in equity, justice, and fairness, not politics.

“This is not about political convenience or emotion,” Kalu said.

“It is about ensuring fairness for a region that has, for far too long, been short-changed in Nigeria’s federal arrangement.”

The motion for the new state was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State).

It reportedly passed without opposition, receiving unanimous support from members of the joint committee.

In addition to approving the South East state, the committee also set up a subcommittee to examine other requests for new states and local government areas across the six geopolitical zones.

The subcommittee will review 278 pending proposals before submitting a harmonised report to the full committee for consideration.

In his closing remarks, Senator Jibrin urged members to begin wide consultations and advocacy across both chambers of the National Assembly and among State Houses of Assembly, emphasizing the need for national consensus ahead of the final constitutional vote.

“We must consolidate on this progress,” he said. “By the time we get to the stage of voting, all stakeholders, from the Senate to the States, should already be on board.”

The approval represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional reform process, addressing persistent calls for parity among the country’s six geopolitical zones.

While the name and boundaries of the proposed new state have not yet been revealed, insiders say the subcommittee will work with relevant stakeholders to finalise details before making a formal recommendation to the National Assembly.

If the resolution eventually gains the support of two-thirds of federal lawmakers and at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, the new state will officially become Nigeria’s 37th state.

Google search engine

BREAKING: Two Cameroonian Opposition Leaders Arrested After Disputed Election

Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, secretary general of the presidency, casts his ballot at a polling station in Yaounde on October 12, 2025 during Cameroon's presidential election. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP)

 

Two prominent members of Cameroon’s opposition coalition backing presidential challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary have been arrested amid growing tensions following the country’s contested presidential vote.

President Paul Biya, who at 92 years old remains the world’s longest-serving head of state, has ruled Cameroon since 1982.

Over the past two decades, he has consistently secured re-election with over 70 percent of the vote.

However, in the October 12, 2025 election, Tchiroma, a former employment minister, drew unusually strong public support, energizing voters across the central African nation.

According to the Union for Change 2025, two opposition leaders, Anicet Ekane, head of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) and Djeukam Tchameni, of the Movement for Democracy and Interdependence (MDI), were taken from their homes on Friday by armed, hooded members of an elite military unit and transported to an undisclosed location.

Both parties are members of the Union for Change 2025 coalition, which nominated Tchiroma as its joint presidential candidate.

The coalition described the arrests as a deliberate attempt to intimidate voters and suppress post-election dissent.

Although official results are expected to be announced on Monday, Tchiroma declared victory earlier this week, claiming to have secured 54.8 percent of the vote, compared with 31.3 percent for Biya.

Biya’s ruling RDPC party dismissed Tchiroma’s claim as “a grotesque hoax” and “an unacceptable act of fraud in a state governed by law.”

The party said it was awaiting the Constitutional Council’s official declaration of results.

Opposition parties have condemned what they describe as arbitrary arrests and intimidation tactics aimed at silencing those demanding transparency.

The MDI accused the government of “gross political manipulation” and said the situation reflects “a strategy of fear and suppression.”

Authorities have denied allegations that opposition figures were linked to weapons or forged election materials, calling such reports “false information.”

Tchiroma has urged Cameroonians to peacefully protest if the final results announced by the Constitutional Council are “falsified or distorted.”

In response, the government has banned public gatherings and restricted motorcycle movement in several urban areas.

Meanwhile, the internet watchdog NetBlocks reported major disruptions to online access across parts of Cameroon, warning that these restrictions could hinder independent reporting and limit public visibility of post-election developments.

Google search engine

2027: Ex-APP Candidate Mascot Uzor-Kalu Declares For Abia Governorship On APC Platform

 

Former Action Peoples Party (APP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kalu, who made the announcement during a meeting with APC members in Umuahia, said his decision was motivated by a desire to promote unity, peace, and development within the party and the state.

The younger brother of Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu had left the APC in 2022 to form the APP, a move that drew surprise from his elder brother at the time.

He officially returned to the ruling party on October 24, 2025, according to the APC State Woman Leader, Mrs. Udonma Ezinne.

Kalu urged party members to set aside internal differences and work together ahead of the 2027 elections.

“All I am preaching is peace. Divisiveness has held our party back for too long,” he said.

“If all parties were to contribute funds, APC should have the largest, but unity is what will make that possible.”

Reflecting on his performance in the 2023 election, where he placed fourth, Kalu said the outcome represented “the people’s will” and reinforced his commitment to service, inclusiveness, and good governance.

“I stand for local government autonomy and the welfare of civil servants. Let us build an Abia that works for all. Our project is anchored on God. Onye ruo, ya erie, he who works should eat,” he stated.

He emphasised that his decision to rejoin the APC and run again was entirely personal, adding that no one influenced his move.

“I stand before you with humility and hope. I decided to contest because I believe in the future of Abia and the APC,” he said, calling on members to actively participate in the upcoming party primaries.

Several APC leaders at the event hailed Kalu’s return and ambition.

Party chieftain Chief Barr. Ndukwe Peter described the declaration as “historic,” pledging the support of the Reality Organisation for Kalu’s campaign.

Former APC State Secretary, Barr. Perfect Okorie, stressed the need for strategic focus, urging members to rally behind Kalu as a unifying figure.

Similarly, Mr. Ojisi Iroh Ogbaja of the OUK Movement expressed confidence in the APC’s readiness to reclaim Abia’s leadership, encouraging Kalu to sustain grassroots engagement ahead of 2027.

Google search engine

APGA’s Former Presidential Candidate Peter Umeadi Retires From Politics

 

Former presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Justice Professor Peter Umeadi, has announced his resignation from the party and his complete withdrawal from partisan politics.

In a letter dated October 24, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of APGA Ward 1, Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Onyekwelu Jideobi, Umeadi expressed gratitude to the party for giving him a national platform during the 2023 general elections.

The letter, titled “Resignation from Membership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),” read in part:

“I respectfully write to resign from my membership of Nri Ward 1, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). By the same token, I withdraw from all partisan politics in Nigeria.
I thank APGA for fielding me as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. My resignation and withdrawal from partisan politics take effect from today.”

The 70-year-old retired jurist, who made history as the first academic and judicial officer to contest for Nigeria’s presidency under a major political platform, ran on the Umeadi, Mohammed ticket in 2023.

Justice Umeadi served as Chief Judge of Anambra State from 2011 to 2019 and joined APGA in March 2019, later securing the party’s presidential ticket in June 2022.

Throughout his campaign, he championed the ideals of the rule of law, separation of powers, and due process, which he described as “the true anchors of national renewal and fairness.”

Before the 2023 election, Umeadi had argued that Nigeria’s political challenges could be addressed if the presidency were zoned to the South East and led by APGA, a party he saw as rooted in regional integrity and reformist values.

Google search engine

2027: NNPP Open To Alliance With Tinubu, Jonathan, Obi – Kwankwaso

 

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, says his party is willing to form alliances with President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, and other political figures ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the former Kano State governor said Nigerians are now more politically aware and eager for real change, noting that the next election will be highly competitive.

“I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. People are more informed and more determined. Thanks to radio and social media, voters are now aware of their rights. You may witness things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s politics,” Kwankwaso said.

“This time, people will not sell their votes — they want genuine change.”

Kwankwaso explained that the NNPP is open to partnering with any political group or leader who shares the party’s vision for a prosperous and secure Nigeria, stressing that any alliance must be based on mutual respect and shared values.

“We’re ready for anyone, the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi, provided they are competent and have integrity. But whoever we work with must be committed to improving the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

“If they fail to meet our expectations, we will not continue with them.”

He added that the NNPP, which fielded candidates across all 36 states in the 2023 elections, has become a national political force capable of shaping Nigeria’s future.

Kwankwaso also reiterated his earlier comments on possible collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but maintained that such an alliance must come with clear benefits for the NNPP’s members and structures.

“If we are to join the APC, they must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have full structures nationwide, what will be offered to our candidates and supporters?” he queried.

The former Minister of Defence criticized Nigeria’s political elite for their disconnect from ordinary citizens, accusing them of enriching themselves while the masses suffer from insecurity and poverty.

“Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna, yet the elites live comfortably in Abuja, building mansions, driving luxury cars, and ignoring the suffering of the poor,” Kwankwaso said.

“They behave as if they are untouchable, but I believe Allah will judge them.”

Google search engine

How Gov. Mbah Is Changing Enugu Land Administration Narrative With ENGIS – By Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele

 

The Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) shortly after its establishment is helping deliver seamless land administration in the state.

What obtained before now was a system that was prone to errors, abuse and outright fraud with genuine investors and landowners regularly exposed to disputes, losses and the heartbreak that goes with it.

When Governor Peter Mbah came in, part of the areas that immediately caught his attention and resolve for a thorough clean up was the land administration system in the state.

Following this, Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) was born.

In serving as a centralised digital land registry and spatial data hub, it makes land records accessible, secure and manageable.

It enables online applications, search and issuance of land titles, like Rights of Occupancy, Certificates of Occupancy, thus reducing dependence on manual/paper based systems that are prone to abuse and corruption.

The system has introduced rapid processing of title applications, with land title applications now reportedly able to be completed within roughly 48 hours from submission to issuance.

This is a huge fit and of course relief for those engaged in land related businesses.

It provides geospatial data, mapping and survey services, which helps define boundaries, support land allocation/allotment, reduce disputes and support urban planning.

Thus, it makes the expansion of the urbanization programmes of the suburbs around around the state capital easy. Mini cities and the estates they carry are developed with mappings that host trackable features.

ENGIS enhances transparency and accountability in land administration, helping to eliminate practices like double allocations, land grabbing, unauthorised constructions and revenue leakages.

Many prospective investors or citizens who simply needed land to settle, have in the past been subjected to untold hardship and agony associated with the racketeering the dismantled system was characterized with.

By formalising and digitising processes, it reduces the risk of such a fraud like fake or duplicated land ownership claims, and gives greater security of tenure to land users and investors.

It supports ease of doing business, one of the key areas the governor is determined to keep improving, and the overall investment atmosphere in the state.

Faster land title issuance and reliable land records reduce delays and risks for developers and investors.

The ENGIS is not only utilitarian for ease of practice and administration in the land management sector of the state’s public service, it is a revenue enhancement tool for the state government through its efficient and effective application that reduces leakages, improves yield of land based revenue and enables a more comprehensive collection of land charges.

The governor no doubt wants a functional, modern Enugu state. ENGIS is therefore part of a broader reform agenda to achieve this total renewal initiative that is increasingly gaining traction through digitised land administration of all land related processes to come under a technology driven, people oriented architecture.

Google search engine

MOST COMMENTED

- Advertisement -
Google search engine