The Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, declaring that virtually every sector of the country is in distress.

Represented by labour and human rights activist Auwalu Yakasai (Danmalikin Kano) at the 51st regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and training workshop of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, the monarch voiced deep concern about the nation’s economic and social decline.

“Every other sphere of human endeavour in Nigeria is now being battered. The economy, social life, education and health are all going down,” the Emir said.

“Even the labour movement is under a dwindling fortune.”

He lamented that the Nigerian labour movement, once a vibrant voice for the people, has lost much of its influence during what he described as one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Sanusi cited rising fuel prices, inflation, and economic hardship as symptoms of a broader national crisis, stating that the level of suffering among citizens is unprecedented.

He recalled a time when labour unions boldly resisted “anti-people policies” and actively defended the interests of workers.

Meanwhile, the broader economic context for Nigeria and several other African nations remains troubling.

A Business Insider Africa report, citing Forbes currency data as of June 23, 2025, ranks Nigeria among the ten African countries with the weakest currencies relative to the US dollar.

The Nigerian naira is currently trading at ₦1,553.68 to $1, reflecting recent depreciation despite efforts toward stabilization.

Other nations on the list include São Tomé and Príncipe (22,281.80/$), Sierra Leone (20,969.50/$), and Guinea (8,657.48/$).

The report attributes currency weakness across these countries to persistent inflation, economic instability, and over-reliance on imports.

In Nigeria’s case, the weakened naira continues to drive up import costs, fuel inflation, and reduce household purchasing power, compounding the hardship described by the Emir.

Celebrations have erupted across Zamfara State and several parts of Nigeria’s Northwest following the death of Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a feared bandit kingpin, in a clash with Shinkafi Volunteer Forces.

Danbokolo, widely known as the brutal enforcer behind numerous attacks in the region, was killed after a fierce ambush by local volunteer forces.

Security sources confirmed that over 173 bandits loyal to him were also neutralized in the operation. Danbokolo reportedly sustained severe gunshot wounds and later died over the weekend.

He was buried on Saturday.

While the Department of State Services (DSS) has not officially commented, sources close to the operation noted that the intelligence agency may have been involved in a “covert assault” during the operation.

The death of Danbokolo has sparked jubilation, particularly in Kurya District of Shinkafi Local Government Area, where residents say they lived under his reign of terror for years.

“We are in serious celebrations mood. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used to strike fear in our hearts, is no more. I can authoritatively tell you that Danbokolo is the man behind the mask. He is the overall Commander. Turji merely communicates, while dreaded Danbokolo is the executioner of all the evil,” said one relieved villager.

The bandit leader was said to be more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, who is often regarded as the spokesperson of the group.

“Not only Danbokolo was killed, at least, 173 bandits, loyal to him have been killed and buried within the week and several of them have fled the community. We see them running away after every raid on their hideouts,” the villager added.

Another resident explained that the operation has thrown Turji’s faction into disarray.

“Known loyalists of Turji are now in a state of fear and confusion, and some are now seeking to surrender as they see the end in sight,” he said.

“This is the first time we believe that these bandits will soon be gone for good. Bello Turji has no hiding place. Knowing that his days are numbered, he and some of his foot soldiers have begun to desperately beg for amnesty.”

The offensive launched by the Shinkafi Volunteer Forces marks one of the most successful operations against organised banditry in Zamfara’s recent history.

Residents credit the success to enhanced local collaboration and possible intelligence support.

Although the DSS has maintained a low profile, community members believe the agency played a key role behind the scenes.

The atmosphere in many communities remains festive, with farmers particularly expressing hope for a safer planting season.

“This farming season, we hope not to pay taxes to bandits. For the first time, we feel free,” one farmer said.

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Samuel Ike, has issued a strong appeal to Nigeria’s judiciary, urging it to end the trend of conflicting court judgments and promote clarity and consistency in judicial pronouncements.

Speaking during the 2nd Session of the 19th Synod of the Diocese in Enugu, Bishop Ike highlighted the growing public frustration and confusion resulting from contradictory legal rulings, which he said were undermining the integrity and credibility of the justice system.

“The judiciary should ensure it is frank, plain and simple in its use of language in delivering judgments.
If need be, the certified true copies of judgments should be translated into the three major Nigerian languages to improve understanding among the populace,” he said.

He stressed that such inconsistency in court decisions often leaves litigants interpreting the same judgment in different ways, thereby weakening public confidence in the judiciary.

The Bishop also made a direct appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, calling on her to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the courts as the final arbiter of justice.

“The judiciary should ensure it is frank, plain and simple in its use of language in delivering judgments. If need be, the certified true copies of judgments should be translated into the three major Nigerian languages to improve understanding among the populace,” he said.

He warned that judicial ambiguity not only fuels misinterpretation but also deepens public discontent, stressing that the courts must rise to their constitutional role as guardians of the rule of law.

Turning to broader national concerns, Bishop Ike expressed serious concern over worsening insecurity and the rising cost of living across Nigeria.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to act with greater urgency and political will in tackling these escalating crises.

“Mr. President must remember the hope he promised to renew. Time is running out,” he cautioned.

He pointed to the growing anxiety over resurgent violence, soaring food prices, and harsh living conditions, which continue to dominate public discourse.

The bishop also raised alarm over allegations of nepotism, comparing current trends to the failings of previous administrations.

Bishop Ike renewed his call for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s electoral and constitutional systems, and once again emphasized the need for State Police to help address security challenges at the local level.

While he acknowledged certain efforts by the current administration, including the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Bishop Ike emphasized that attention must also be paid to repairing existing infrastructure.

“We need to fix our existing roads even as we embark on new ones. Infrastructure is key to national development,” he said.

He urged Nigeria’s leaders to prioritize transformational policies that benefit ordinary citizens, rather than ones that only serve the interests of a privileged few.

In his remarks, Bishop Ike encouraged both political and judicial leaders to return to the core values of justice, fairness, and people-focused governance, warning that Nigeria’s future depends on the choices made today.

Prominent Lagos socialite, Gail Fajembola, has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to restrain the Inspector-General of Police and others from allegedly harassing her over a property dispute involving a luxury apartment on Banana Island.

In a suit filed through her counsel, Akin Apara of BA LAW LLP, Fajembola is demanding an order of perpetual injunction to stop what she describes as unconstitutional interference in a civil matter.

She has also demanded ₦50 million in damages for what she terms “unlawful and unconstitutional interference” with her rights.

The suit names as respondents the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General (Zone 2), the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, one Ogbonna Nweke, Olutoyl Estate Development & Services, and businessman Tunde Ayeni.

Fajembola’s legal action centres on Flat K9-2, Ocean Parade Towers, Banana Island, Ikoyi, which she asserts has become the subject of intimidation tactics rather than legal processes.

According to the court documents, the police are allegedly being used to coerce her into evicting a tenant from the disputed property.

She argues that “The police cannot misuse its powers under the guise of investigating a civil transaction to intimidate her into evicting a lawful tenant or surrendering possession of a disputed property.”

In the suit, she is seeking a judicial declaration that:

“Any threats by the police to arrest or detain her over a private civil dispute are unconstitutional, oppressive, and a violation of her rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement.”

The complaint includes an affidavit sworn by litigation clerk Olawale Arowosaye, which details how the dispute arose from what was once a cordial relationship between Fajembola and Ayeni.

According to the affidavit, Ayeni allowed Fajembola to move into the apartment in 2016. She later spent $45,792 to furnish it and resided there until her relocation to the United Kingdom in 2019.

In her absence, the apartment was used as a short-let property and later leased in 2022 to Expand Global Industries.

Fajembola insists that this lease was done with Ayeni’s full awareness and verbal approval.

However, she claims that after their personal relationship deteriorated, efforts began in January 2025 to pressure her into evicting the tenant and returning the apartment to Ayeni and the estate firm.

She alleges that “Rather than pursue lawful eviction proceedings, the fifth and sixth respondents resorted to police intervention, summoning me, my agent, and representatives of the tenant to their office, where we were subjected to intimidation and pressure to vacate the property.”

Fajembola also addressed media speculation surrounding the matter:

“At no time was I arrested or detained. I never claimed ownership of the apartment or attempted to sell it to anyone. I am shocked by recent publications implying otherwise.”

She confirmed that “The property was formally handed over to Ayeni and Olutoyl Estate in April 2025, with my furnishings and household items still in place. I have moved on.”

However, she says the harassment has resumed, this time allegedly involving renewed police pressure and adverse media coverage.

“These threats have made me avoid travelling to Lagos and have caused significant psychological distress,” she stated.

Fajembola is now seeking the court’s protection against what she describes as the abuse of police authority in a matter that, in her view, should be settled through lawful civil proceedings.

The respondents are expected to file their responses to the lawsuit in the coming weeks.

The quiet community of Mgbuji in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, was once again thrown into mourning as three residents, victims of a brutal attack on June 9, were laid to rest amid tears and tributes.

The deceased were among several farmers reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen while tending to their crops at the Mgbuji farm settlement, an area that has repeatedly come under violent invasions.

Present at the solemn funeral in Obibi Mgbuji was the Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Barr. Obiora Chibuzo Obeagu, who offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and condemned the persistent attacks on the agrarian community.

Describing the killings as “an assault on humanity and on the dignity of the people of Isi-Uzo,” Hon. Obeagu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the people.

“True leadership begins with empathy and ends with action,” he said.

“And I will not stop until Mgbuji and all of Isi-Uzo can sleep without fear.”

The council boss announced ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the area, including operational support for the permanent military base already stationed in Eha-Amufu.

He also revealed plans for increased security patrols across vulnerable communities and promised to liaise with both state and federal authorities to ensure a coordinated response to the escalating threats.

In a move to provide immediate relief, Hon. Obeagu disclosed that food supplies, financial assistance, and educational support for the children of the deceased would be extended to affected families.

He also announced plans for a Security Support Fund aimed at equipping local vigilante groups with logistics and operational tools, all within legal frameworks.

The June 9 tragedy is the latest in a series of violent episodes that have displaced thousands, shattered livelihoods, and forced many farmers to abandon their lands out of fear.