POLICE have refused to comment on the arrest and whereabouts of a man caught with his girlfriend’s severed head at Orozo, near Abuja, on Sunday, January 12.
A resident of the area (names withheld for security reasons) shared the news on his Facebook Page late Sunday evening.
“Something terrible happened today. Right in front of our estate. I am in shock still. So our estate policemen, while on routine patrol, stopped a guy who carried a nylon bag. Inside it was the fresh head of a very beautiful girl neatly severed.
“He confessed she was his girlfriend and he had killed her. For what, I don’t know.
Well, people beat him to 95 per cent death. I cannot show you the video and photos. Lord, this year, deliver us and our children from wicked and unreasonable men in Jesus’ name,” he posted.
More details about the arrest
The ICIR gathered that the suspect stopped a bike man in the Papalada area of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, to enable him to go drop the severed head at a location which he refused to disclose when grilled by those who arrested him.
The bike man realised that his clothes were getting wet. In an attempt to know what was spilling on him from his passenger, he stopped the motorcycle and discovered his top and trousers had been drenched by blood.
He challenged the suspect and requested to know what he was carrying. The suspect said it was a goat head.
The bike man attempted to see the goat head but the suspect repeatedly declined.
The bike man could not accept the arguments of the jittery passenger. He grabbed the nylon in his hand and forced it open. Sadly, he found a fresh human head belonging to a lady.
As the suspect attempted to flee, the bike man screamed, urging passers-by and police officers around the place to help arrest the suspect.
Within seconds, a furious mob descended on the suspect before handing him over to the New Karshi Police Station.
However, the bike man fled the scene with his motorcycle fearing he could be implicated in the crime, the source who spoke with The ICIR said.
The source noted that the police officers led the suspect to his house where they met the butchered body of the lady already cut into pieces. The suspect planned to wrap them in bits in nylons and dispose them of.
He didn’t state why he killed the lady but previous experiences in Nigeria suggest that such killings are mostly for rituals.
The source added that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State directed that the suspect be moved to Lafia, the state capital.
“He should be on his way to Lafia or currently at the Police State Headquarters in Lafia as I speak with you,” noted the source.
Responding to The ICIR enquiries on the incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said the incident did not happen in Abuja.
“It is not Abuja; please, we don’t have any of such incidents reported in Orozo, Abuja. Please contact Nasarawa State,” the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, a deputy superintendent of police, stated.
She directed The ICIR to her Nasarawa state counterpart, Nansel Ramhan.
Meanwhile, attempts to confirm the suspect’s whereabouts from the Nasarawa Police Command were unsuccessful.
The spokesperson, Ramhan, did not pick up his mobile phone when contacted. He did not also respond to SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to his phone.
The incident has continued to attract condemnation among Nigerians on social media.
The FCT has had its fair share of killings for rituals and other purposes in Nigeria.
A disturbing incident occurred in a hotel in the Wuse area of Abuja in 2024, where a man was apprehended for allegedly attempting to use a girl for ritual purposes.
The man had reportedly tied the girl’s hands and legs but was caught and forced to release her by onlookers.
A video of the incident shows the man being ordered to untie the girl.
He was eventually paraded by the FCT Police Command and charged in court.
In July 2024, a young man, Nuhu Ezra, was arrested by the FCT Police Command for being in possession of a human skull and bones.
According to the command, he had picked up the human skull and bones in a bush to sell them for N600,000.
THE Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has granted bail to ex-Queen Naomi Sikekunola, the owner of the Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi, for their alleged involvement in the Ibadan stampede that resulted in the deaths of 35 children in December 2024.
The judge, K. B. Olawoyin, in his ruling on the bail application on Monday, January 13, admitted the suspects to bail with a bond of₦10 millioneach and two sureties in like sums.
According to the judge, the sureties must provide land documents within the court’s jurisdiction.
Other conditions include the deposit of their international passports with the court and a restriction from granting any form of press interview during the pendency of the case.
The case was adjourned till January 27, 2025, for further hearing.
Recall that a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, ordered the remand of Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Hamzat, and Fasasi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The defendants were arraigned on Tuesday, December 24, in connection with the December 18 stampede and deaths at a Christmas funfair held at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The tragic event claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured.
Presiding over the case, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, a chief magistrate, directed that the three accused be held in custody pending legal advice from the Oyo State director of public prosecutions.
They are facing a four-count charge related to the stampede and deaths, which the prosecution argued contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
According to the prosecution, the accused played key roles in organising the event, which drew over 5,000 children with promises of cash handouts and free food.
The overwhelming crowd caused a deadly stampede, turning the festive gathering into a disaster.
The ICIR reported that the stampede was widely condemned for lacking adequate planning and crowd control.
The police, who confirmed 35 fatalities, arrested eight persons linked to the event, including Silekunola, who was identified as the main organiser.
The incident triggered nationwide criticism, with many demanding stricter regulations for public events to prevent similar tragedies.
Many Nigerians also attributed the incident to the widespread hunger and hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.
Despite the calamity, two other stampedes followed within the same week in Okija, Anambra State, and at a Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claiming the lives of dozens of people who came to collect food and other gifts preparatory to Christmas.
LAGOS State House of Assembly on Monday, January 13, impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Mojisola Miranda, the representative for Apapa 1, was swiftly sworn in as the new Speaker, making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa’s removal came after years of allegations, including accusations of fraud, political thuggery, and corruption.
In 2020, Punch Newspaper reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) grilled Obasa over claims of diverting public funds into his personal companies and bank accounts.
Although the EFCC did not file charges after questioning him, the investigations heightened concerns about his leadership.
A few months before, the Speaker appeared before the House panel to respond to the corruption allegations against him.
While he denied many of the claims, he confirmed that N80 million was approved as estacode for the training of the wives of 20 lawmakers in Dubai.
“We gave N4 million to each of the participants for air tickets, hotels, feedings and local travel. Air ticket to Dubai alone costs about N2 million. Some of these allegations were raised for a crusade to get the Speaker out of office.
“The House of Assembly is above (the) common standard of excellence and we have to train people, and this comes at a cost. Learning is not cheap and I have never collected N80 million for estacode at a go before,” he said.
He was, however, subsequently cleared by the House committee.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) has launched new level-based certificates as part of its online digital investigation training with the support of Google News Initiative.
The new certificates correspond to three levels: basics, intermediate and advanced. Courses are free of charge and cover topics such as efficient online search, verifying pictures and videos, archiving, and tackling misinformation around elections, health, or climate.
Journalists and students wishing to develop their online investigative skills can sign up for certificate courses.
The master certificates are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Application is rolling, interested persons can apply here.
OYO State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade.
The ceremony, held at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, January 13, marked the official recognition of the new monarch as head of the ancient town by the state government.
While presenting the staff, Makinde described the monarch as a custodian of Oyo’s rich heritage, destined to lead the kingdom with wisdom and integrity.
He expressed optimism that the new Alaafin’s reign would foster unity and preserve the cultural legacy of the historic kingdom.
He said, “We are assured that Oba Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong commitment to fostering unity.”
In his acceptance speech, the monarch pledged to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the well-being of its people.
“I will devote myself to the advancement and prosperity of the Oyo Kingdom while ensuring that the traditions and values that have sustained us for generations remain steadfast,” he stated.
The ICIR reports that the new Alaafin’s installation comes over a year after the demise of Oba Adeyemi III, who reigned for over five decades.
The Alaafin’s installation followed months of deliberations by the Oyomesi, with the traditional kingmakers, who had earlier recommended Lukuman Gbadegesin as the preferred choice to occupy the revered stool.
However, despite his selection by the Oyomesi, who have the responsibility of vetting and recommending kings, Owoade was appointed by the state government on January 10, paving the way for his coronation.
Consequently, the Oyomesi opposed the appointment, describing it as illegal and invalid.
In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by their lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju, on Friday, January 10, five of the Oyo kingmakers declared the appointment null and void, asserting that they had not recommended the appointee to the state government.
The kingmakers, who made this declaration include Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; and Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo.
Others are Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo; and Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.
Although there were controversies surrounding Gbadegesin’s recommendation, the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, in 2023, insisted that the selection process adhered to due process and was unanimously approved by all seven kingmakers.
THE Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University invites applications for the Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award.
The award is in honour of the late journalist (Power) who reported empathetically on the human condition and died on assignment in Uganda in March 2014.
The Reporting Award is a $12,500 grant to support the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer who is writing a story that uncovers truths about the human condition.
The winner will receive US$12,500, NYU ID and full online NYU Bobst Library research and reference privileges.
Early-career non-fiction writers who want to focus on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition can apply for funding.
The deadline for the submission of application is February 19, 2025. Interested applicants can apply here.
KANNYWOOD has been a significant part of the Nigerian film industry for more than three decades, yet it remains overshadowed by Nollywood, one of the most globally recognised film industries. Various factors have influenced both the growth and setbacks of Kannywood, with language being a critical component. Religion and cultural considerations also play vital roles in shaping the industry.
There is an urgent need for Kannywood’s pioneers and leaders to intensify their efforts, adopt innovative strategies, and strengthen the industry’s foundation to compete effectively or at least narrow the gap with its Nollywood counterpart.
The year 2024 serves as further proof of Kannywood’s resilience against all odds in sustaining the industry. The decline of traditional cinemas in the region has pushed filmmakers to embrace YouTube and other video-on-demand platforms to keep the industry alive. Numerous series have been released or are set to be released in 2024. Many of them feature compelling, thought-provoking content, making it a challenge to narrow the list down to just ten. However, we have curated a selection of ten standout series for several key reasons.
Here is a brief analysis of the selected films that made it to my top ten list. Please note that the list is not arranged in order of importance but is presented randomly. Enjoy reading!
Izzar So
Over the years, Bakori TV has established itself as one of the most-followed Kannywood YouTube channels, surpassing notable platforms like Ali Nuhu’s, Arewa 24, and Mai Shadda.
A key driver of this success is the immense popularity of Izzar So, a series that continues to captivate audiences even three years after its initial release.
On January 7, 2024, Izzar So Takun Farko, the much-anticipated sequel to Sabon Salo, premiered with high expectations. The series resumes the story of Umar Hashim (Lawal Ahmad), who boldly pursues his political ambitions despite facing relentless opposition. Alh Matawalle (Ali Nuhu) emerges as a father figure vehemently opposed to Umar’s political aspirations. The antagonistic duo of Alhassan Kwalle (Honorable) and Chairman (Baballe Hayatu) adds further tension with their schemes to bring down both Umar and Alh Matawalle.
While the initial buzz around Izzar So may have slightly waned, its enduring appeal remains strong. As one of Kannywood’s longest-running series, it continues to explore culturally resonant themes that keep fans engaged. Averaging half a million weekly views on YouTube, its impact on the industry is undeniable.
Kannywood: Izzar So
GarwashiGarwashi begins on an intense note, centering around Asma’u, also known as Ma’u (Fiddausi Yahaya), a mother of two and a widow who endures immense hardships. Having lost her mother at a tender age, Asma’u grew up surrounded by stepmothers, which shaped her resilience. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her husband dies in a car accident, leaving her alone to care for her children while facing the cruelty of heartless in-laws.
Asma’u’s challenges are compounded by her father, whose greed for material wealth leads him to exploit her, treating her as a commodity to be traded for financial gain. In an eerily similar vein to the character of Ananse in Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, Asma’u’s father decides to marry her off to the highest bidder, disregarding her feelings and well-being.
The series poignantly explores themes of family betrayal, societal greed, and the struggles of women in patriarchal settings. It also highlights the devastating impact of selfishness and materialism on familial relationships.
Garwashi features a stellar cast, including Abubakar Waziri, Yakubu Muhammad, Isa Adam, Kabiru Sani, Maryam Yahaya, and Hadiza Muhammad. This UK Entertainments original series is skillfully written by Fauziyya D. Sulaiman and directed by Yaseen Auwal, delivering a powerful narrative filled with emotional depth and cultural resonance.
Kannywood – Garwashi.
Labarina
Despite criticism for overstaying its welcome, Labarina remains a fan favourite. The current season eleven continues the intricate narrative that has evolved from Mahmood and Sumayya to the entangled lives of Mai Nasara and Maryam. The story takes a dramatic turn when Mai Nasara disguises himself as a poor man to test his fiancée Jamila’s loyalty, only to have her leave him for a wealthy suitor, Lawal.
Maryam, Jamila’s childhood friend, marries Mai Nasara out of pity, unaware of his true wealth. The couple later faces a genetic incompatibility, forcing Maryam to suggest a polygamous arrangement. Produced by Saira Movies, Labarina is screenplayed by Yakubu M. Kumo and directed by Aminu Saira, blending emotional depth with intricate storytelling.
Kannywood: Labarina
Wata Rana A Kano
This five-episode mini-series delves into the harsh realities of Kano and northern Nigeria, exploring themes such as phone snatching, political rivalry, corruption, and insecurity. The story highlights the destructive influence of bad governance and the exploitation of youth for political gain, while advocating for community unity as a solution to these issues.
With a cast that includes Abba Jago (Daddy Hikima), Hassan (Adam A. Zango), Ali Nuhu, and Abba El-Mustapha, Wata Rana A Kano is a poignant reflection of societal challenges. Produced by Abubakar Bashir Maishadda and directed by Kamal S. Alkali, the series is a powerful commentary on the need for reform.
Kannywood: Wata rana a Kano
Manyan Mata
Manyan Mata is a powerful drama that revolves around two courageous women, Laila (Hadiza Gabon) and Nadia (Misha Sulaiman). The story takes a harrowing turn when Laila’s father, Alhaji Tahir (Tijjani Faraga), commits the heinous crime of sexually assaulting Bilkisu (Maryam Yahaya), a young food hawker. This act epitomises the injustices that the Manyan Mata NGO is devoted to combating, as it serves as a voice for the oppressed, marginalised, and voiceless members of society.
Nadia, Laila’s close friend and co-partner in managing Manyan Mata, makes extraordinary efforts to prevent the scandal from becoming public. However, her attempts ultimately fail, and the exposure of Alhaji Tahir’s crime wreaks havoc on Laila’s family, straining her friendship with Nadia. The fallout places Laila’s political aspirations and humanitarian career in jeopardy, threatening everything she has worked for.
Beyond its central narrative, Manyan Mata tackles a range of pressing societal issues, including rape, poverty, corruption, the plight of out-of-school children, street begging, child labor (Almajiranci), and youth involvement in political thuggery. These themes are skillfully woven into the plot, shedding light on systemic problems while advocating for reform and justice.
Produced by Abnur Entertainment and directed by Ali Gumzak, Manyan Mata delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged story. Its powerful performances and socially conscious narrative make it a standout contribution to Kannywood, leaving viewers both moved and inspired.
Kannywood: Manyan Mata
Allura Cikin Ruwa
Allura Cikin Ruwa features a stellar ensemble of Kannywood’s finest talents, including Sani Musa Danja, Yakubu Muhammad, Adam A. Zango, Daddy Hikima, Isah Feroz Khan, Aisha Najamu, and Ruki Alim, among others. The film’s narrative revolves around Na’imatu, a stunning young lady whose beauty attracts numerous suitors, making her the centre of relentless attention and admiration.
Among her admirers, Alhaji Hadi (Sani Danja) emerges as the fortunate one to marry her. However, their union is short-lived as his jealous ailing first wife pressures him into divorcing Na’imatu merely two days after their wedding. What follows is a dramatic saga, as Na’imatu’s suitors continue their pursuit, employing various tactics in their quest to win her heart.
Directed by Yakubu Muhammad and produced by 2 Effect Media, Allura Cikin Ruwa combines captivating performances with a compelling storyline. The film skillfully explores themes of love, rivalry, and societal pressures, offering a nuanced portrayal of relationships and the complexities of human desires.
With its visually engaging scenes and dynamic character arcs, Allura Cikin Ruwa stands out as a memorable addition to Kannywood’s repertoire, appealing to audiences with its blend of drama, romance, and intrigue.
Kannywood: Alura Cikin Ruwa
Alaqa
The much-anticipated Season 5, Episode 1 of Alaqa, Ali Nuhu’s acclaimed web series, premiered on YouTube to resounding success, garnering nearly 200,000 views within the first 48 hours. The story delves into the complexities of family businesses and the intense rivalry between the Alfindiki and Luluwa families, extending beyond the patriarchs to their children and relatives.
The series artfully weaves numerous socially relevant themes, including rape, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment, providing a thought-provoking narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. Alaqa distinguishes itself with FKD’s signature style, showcasing mesmerizing mise-en-scène and a fresh ensemble of young, vibrant talents from Kannywood, who deliver exceptional performances.
The cast features an impressive lineup, including Tahir Fagge as Alfindiki, Hadizan Saima, Sadiq M. Ahmad as Audu Luluwa, Ramadan Booth, Shamsu Dan Iya, Maryam Yahaya, Zikrullah Yusuf, and Momee Gombe, among others. Their compelling portrayals breathe life into the intricate storyline, capturing the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and conflict within the family dynamic.
Produced by Ahmad Ali Nuhu and directed by the legendary Ali Nuhu, Alaqa continues to captivate viewers with its powerful storytelling, visually stunning scenes, and thematic depth. The series not only highlights the evolving narrative style of Kannywood but also reinforces its role in addressing pressing societal issues through cinematic excellence.
Darasi
Darasi is one of the standout films to make our list of 2024 Kannywood series. This film captivates audiences with its innovative concept, portraying the ambitious lives of young graduates as they navigate the complexities of post-graduate life in a corrupt society. The central characters—Marwan (Shamsu Dan Iya), Sadik (Sadik Shanawa), Kabiru (Ibrahim Yamu Baba), and Salma (Mommy Gombe)—each interpret the decline of their beloved country, Nigeria, through distinct lenses. While some vow to contribute positively to restore the nation from the grip of corrupt politicians and their affluent allies, others succumb to the belief that they cannot defeat the corrupt system and instead choose to join it.
The film unravels the shattered dreams of these young graduates, revealing the deep disappointments of parents who sent their children to pursue specific career paths, only for them to deviate due to societal pressures. One of the most compelling arcs features a character who, in a desperate bid for power, sells his soul to a secret cult, gaining access to the corrupt inner circle of politicians and tycoons who will go to any lengths to maintain their dominance.
Darasi also challenges traditional patriarchal storytelling by featuring a strong young woman in the midst of ambitious graduates, showcasing her resilience and highlighting the importance of women’s inclusion in societal progress. This unique approach adds depth and hope, portraying women’s unrelenting struggle for equality and representation.
The film also features performances by Ali Nuhu, Tanimu Akawu, Amal Umar, and Abdul S. Tynkin, among others. Produced by Sadik Shanawa and directed by Abubakar S. Shehu, Darasi is a compelling narrative that critiques societal flaws while inspiring hope for a better future.
Kannywood: Darasi
Gidan Sarauta
The series Gidan Sarauta is now in its third season, with Episode 12 recently released to much anticipation. In its debut season, the narrative introduced audiences to Alhaji Mai Dala (Rabiu Rikadawa) and his prodigal, wayward son, Kaka (Daddy Hikima), whose actions reveal their disdain for the poor and underprivileged. In one particularly striking moment, Alhaji Mai Dala evicts one of his tenants and discards their belongings. However, Prince Bello (Umar M. Sherrif) steps in as a savior, purchasing a spacious new home for the evicted family.
This act of kindness and the likes mark the beginning of Prince Bello’s admiration for Bintu (Mommy Gombe), a poor but brilliant girl. His secret admiration blossoms into love, but only after it is too late—his brother, Prince Mu’azzam (Garzali Miko), marries Bintu, setting the stage for a multi-layered saga filled with confrontations among the royal siblings, their family, and the close-knit circle of the royal household.
The series is celebrated for its captivating dialogue and meticulously crafted mise-en-scène, which elevate the drama and immerse viewers in its royal narrative. Gidan Sarauta also features stellar performances from industry heavyweights such as Ali Nuhu, Yakubu Muhammad, Usman Mu’azu, and Hadizan Saima. Produced by the King of Kannywood Box Office, Abubakar Bashir Maishadda, and directed by the legendary Ali Nuhu, the series continues to solidify its place as a cornerstone of Kannywood storytelling.
Zafin Nema
The series focuses on two ambitious young men, Ilu (Sadiq S. Sadiq) and Rabe (Tahir I. Tahir), who leave their village in pursuit of fortune in the city. Their story begins when their marriage proposals are rejected due to their impoverished backgrounds. Driven by a desire for wealth, revenge, and fame, Ilu and Rabe embark on a journey to the city, determined to succeed at any cost. They venture into various risky enterprises, adopting a “get rich or die trying” mentality.
The cast includes Al-Ameen Buhari, Jamila Nagudu, Minal Ahmad, Hajara Usman, Bello Muhammad Bello, Maryam Yahaya, and others. Zafin Nema is co-produced by Abdul Amart and Tahir I. Tahir, with Yaseen Auwal serving as the director.
Nura Abubakar is a PhD Candidate at Ohio University, USA. His research focuses on African films and culture, with special focus on Kannywood Cinema.
FROM the FIFA Club World Cup to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 2025 is packed with events that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Here are some key sporting events to look out for in 2025:
Australian Open
The year will start with a load of tennis as the Australian Open will kick off in Melbourne, Australia, from Monday, January 12, to Tuesday, January 26.
World Tennis player, Novak Djokovic
The world of tennis will see how the Serbian Novak Djokovic will perform since he added Andy Murray to his coaching team. It will also be interesting to see if Djokovic will end his Grand Slam shortage.
UEFA Champions League Final
Football fans will be looking forward to the 2025 UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, which will take place at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31.
The UCL trophy is one of the most sought-after in Europe.
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
For lovers of beach soccer, the date to focus on is between May 1 and 11.
This is because the Beach Soccer World Cup, will take place in the serene African country of Seychelles for the first time.
Wimbledon Open
Tennis will return to Wimbledon, England, from June 30 to July 13 as the tournament stages a comeback with top-notch tennis. This year’smen’s singles competition takes on a fresh twist with the notable omission of the English favourite, Andy Murray.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
UEFA will host its 14th edition of the Women’s European Championship in Switzerland from July 2 to July 27.
It will be a thrilling continental showdown as European women’s national teams vie for the top prize. Powerhouses like Sweden, Denmark, and Germany have already secured their spots, while other nations will battle it out in qualifying rounds to join the fray.
2025 Ryder Cup
For lovers of golf, the 2025 Ryder Cup is set to kick off at the prestigious Bethpage Black Course in New York, USA, from September 23-28.
It will bring together 24 elite golfers from Europe and the USA. The continent’s top players will face off in a battle for supremacy, with team members selected based on their outstanding performances in the PGA Tour, European Tour, and major championships, as well ascaptain’s picks.
FIFA Club World Cup
The enlarged FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature a 32-team format that will commence on June 15 and last till July 13, 2025, in the USA. The tournament, which will start immediately after theend of the major leagues in Europe, will be a thrilling event to watch for football fans worldwide.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino
Top clubs like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Miami, amongothers, will be competing in the tournament.
World Athletics Championships
The Asian country of Japan will be hosting the World Athletics Championships in September, almost a year after the Paris Olympics. The event is scheduled for September 13–21.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
For African football lovers, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will brighten the continent as the epic football challenge returns to Morocco for the first time since 1988.
Super Eagles Ademola Lookman in action against Cote d’Ivoire during the group stage match in AFCON 2023
The highly rated football tournament will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Twenty four teams will participate in the tournament.
OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a traditional chief priest of the Igunuko Shrine, Bariu Aliu, in the Alpha Beach area of Ajah, Lagos State, after a three-month manhunt.
Popularly known as “Malo,” Bariu was apprehended following the recovery of 2,760 kilogrammes of skunk from his shrine on October 25, 2024.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, two of Bariu’s accomplices were arrested, charged, and convicted in 2024, while Bariu was identified as the leader of the drug syndicate operating from the shrine.
The stated, “The intelligence-led operation, which took place at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, led to the seizure of the large illicit consignment, the trailer, six vehicles- comprising a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, a JAC 4-wheel-drive Hilux, a Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat – and the arrest of a suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
“The consignment was loaded onto the trailer at Uzebba in the Owan Local Council Area of Edo State.”
In a separate operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NDLEA officers arrested two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, in Nyanya, recovering 1.398 kilogrammes of cocaine and a precursor substance used to prepare crack cocaine.
The statement said 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grammes were intercepted from a cargo shipment destined for Australia at a logistics firm in Lagos. The cocaine was concealed in face cream containers.
Besides, 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup, valued at over ₦1.19 billion, were seized from two containers flagged by the agency. The consignments were discovered during joint examinations by NDLEA operatives, Customs, and other security agencies on January 9 and 10 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State.
In Kano, the agency’s operatives arrested 23-year-old Habibu Ya’u during a raid at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road, on January 9. They recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilogrammes, along with 40,800 pills of opioids, including tramadol.
“A 40-foot trailer loaded with skunk weighing 2,217.6 kilogrammes was intercepted by NDLEA operatives while being distributed into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Abuja, for onward distribution to some northern states,” the statement added.
The ICIRreported that the NDLEA arrested 14,480 drug traffickers and seized 2.4 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs in the first 10 months of 2024.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has reportedly signed a document banning military personnel from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts contrary to the ethics of the Armed Forces.
The decision came months after the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer controversy.
The directive is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service the president signed on December 16, 2024, according to Punch,
A copy of the document reads, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.”
According to the document, Tinubu also prohibits military personnel from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.
“He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or agender, two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.
“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty,” it stated.
Military officers are also forbidden from indulging in amorous relationships with subordinates or their (subordinates’) spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse, “ the document states.
LGBTQ+ controversy
In July 2024, a report erroneously alleged that the Federal Government signed the Samoa Agreement, which the report claimed attempted to promote LGBTQ, and transgenders, among others.
The claim elicited reactions from stakeholders, including clerics, civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights activists who condemned the signing.
The document allegedly contains certain articles, including Articles 2.5 and 29.5, that legalise LGBT, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries.
However, a thorough filter of the agreement by The ICIRshowed that none of the words like ‘LGBTQ’, ‘homosexuals’ and ‘transgender’ were used in the document.
The Samoa Agreement, signed on 15 November 2023, is a pact between 27 countries of the European Union and 79 countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
Other prohibitions signed by Tinubu
Military personnel must pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance, on time and are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.
“An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.
“An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observatory capacities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies are not normally secret by membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso-facto excluded from belonging to secret societies.”
It further barred military officers from having a private business, adding that misuse of government property for personal gain is also prohibited for serving personnel.
“An officer shall not engage in private business. He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside employment or activity with or without compensation, which interfere or has the tendency of interfering with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to bring discredit to the Service.
“An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen,” it stated.
Punishments or disciplinary measures against any personnel who violate the rules were, however, not stated, the report added.
