Author: Najeebat Oyerinde

NAHCON: No Journalist Arrested, Allegations Baseless

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has denied a report alleging that its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, used the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain a journalist and was involved in corrupt practices.

In a statement issued on Today, October 22, 2025, and signed by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman, the Commission described the report published by Newspoint Nigeria as “reckless, defamatory, and entirely fabricated.”

The publication, titled “How NAHCON Chairman Used DSS To Detain News Point Nigeria’s Editor for Exposing Corruption, Pro-Shettima Reports,” was dismissed by the Commission as a work of fiction aimed at damaging Professor Usman’s reputation and undermining the Commission’s integrity.

“The Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, did not at any time order, direct, or request the arrest of any journalist or media practitioner, whether through the DSS or any other security agency,” the statement read.

NAHCON challenged the NEWS AGENCY to provide verifiable evidence to support its allegations, describing the corruption and political interference claims as “baseless and recycled.” It stressed that the Commission’s current leadership remains committed to transparency, accountability, and due process.

“The Commission has consistently cooperated with all regulatory and anti-corruption agencies through the appropriate government channels,” it added.

Reacting to claims that Professor Usman disrespected Vice President Kashim Shettima or reported him to President Bola Tinubu, NAHCON described the allegations as “entirely fabricated and unethical,” noting that the Chairman maintains a “professional and respectful relationship with the Vice President’s office and all government institutions.”

The Commission also clarified that an individual identified in the Newspoint report as a “Senior Journalist and former Managing Director of Radio Kano” has no affiliation with NAHCON, adding that linking him to the agency was misleading.

While reaffirming its respect for press freedom, NAHCON warned that it would not tolerate deliberate attempts to tarnish its image or mislead the public under the guise of journalism. It said the Commission intends to seek redress through appropriate media regulatory bodies.

Accusing Newspoint Nigeria of running “a prolonged campaign of blackmail and falsehood,” the Commission said the outlet had repeatedly published unverified stories without granting NAHCON a right of reply, contrary to journalism ethics and the Nigerian Press Council’s Code of Conduct.

“The Nigerian public, especially members of the Muslim Ummah, should disregard this false report and similar publications,” the statement concluded, reiterating that NAHCON remains focused on serving Nigerian pilgrims with integrity and professionalism.

22/10/2025
Actress Tonto Dikeh Says Holy Spirit Changed Her Life

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has shared an emotional account of her spiritual rebirth, revealing seven personal struggles she said the Holy Spirit helped her conquer.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the actress and mother of one reflected on her transformation from emotional turmoil to inner peace, describing her journey as a divine process that reshaped her mindset and habits.

Dikeh disclosed that she once battled uncontrollable anger that ruined relationships and cost her valuable opportunities.

“There was a time I had a fuse so short it could set everything ablaze. I mistook my pain for strength, but it was only destroying me,” she wrote.

The actress explained that her breakthrough began when she completely surrendered to God, who replaced her rage with calm and understanding.

She also spoke candidly about her struggles with depression, revealing that she once felt consumed by sadness and even attempted suicide.

“I was living as both the wound and the weapon. Depression was my companion; I wore pain like a second skin until God said, ‘Rise,’ and I did,” she said.

Dikeh added that her healing journey has taught her empathy, noting that she now prays for people who act out of pain instead of judging them.

“When I see people acting from a place of pain, I don’t condemn them; I pray for them. I know how it feels to lose yourself while trying to survive,” she wrote.

The actress further revealed that she has renounced sexual immorality and embraced celibacy as part of her renewed faith.

Reflecting on her past, she said, “I gave my life to Christ after secondary school but took His love for granted. Life humbled me, and through that pain, I returned to my first love, God.”

22/10/2025
ASUP Blasts Offa Polytechnic Management for Breach of Trust

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter, has accused the management of the institution of betraying the trust between both parties.

The union’s Chairman, Dr. Idowu Atilola, made the allegation while reacting to the management’s position on the ongoing disagreement between the two bodies over certain unresolved issues.

Atilola stated that the management’s defense was either “not thorough or shamefully mischievous,” noting that the institution’s leadership had gone back on a written agreement.

“The Governing Council, Rector, Registrar, Deans, and Directors went into an agreement with the union in writing, and the defense being presented is that the management has decided to renege on the agreement,” Atilola said.

He accused the management of breaching public trust and diverting funds meant for staff welfare. “The management has betrayed the union and has also failed public trust by diverting monies meant for staff, and it behoves the union to bring them back to perspective,” he added.

The ASUP chairman further alleged that the management had failed to withdraw disciplinary invitations issued to some union members within the agreed time frame.

“We have no choice but to move forward. We will not retreat, we will not surrender, we are ASUP,” the statement read.

Efforts to reach the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Iroye Yinka, on Wednesday proved unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered and text messages were not returned at the time of filing this report.

22/10/2025
Amupitan’s Swearing-In Imminent Before Anambra Election

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, is expected to officially assume office next week, ahead of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

Multiple INEC officials confirmed to the news men that Amupitan will formally take charge of the commission after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu. The ceremony, which traditionally takes place before a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, is expected to hold next week.

A senior INEC official involved in the transition process said, “Prof. Amupitan will assume office on the day he is sworn in by the President. The tradition is that he gets sworn in before an FEC meeting, and he would be escorted by INEC National Commissioners to resume office immediately.”

Another INEC Director noted that while the exact date for the inauguration has not been announced, the swearing-in is imminent. “He will assume his position after his inauguration,” the official added.

Sources within the commission also confirmed that preparations are underway for Amupitan’s arrival. “Some of his personal staff have been showing up at the commission, expecting that he will be sworn in during the FEC meeting,” an insider said.

When contacted, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stated, “We are expecting him, but there is no information on when he will officially assume office.”

Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday after a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. His confirmation followed a rigorous screening session during which he addressed several questions from lawmakers.

President Tinubu had earlier nominated the legal scholar, noted for his expertise in constitutional and international law, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended.

In the interim, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has been serving as Acting INEC Chairman and has presided over several stakeholder meetings at the commission’s headquarters.

Meanwhile, INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.

22/10/2025
Nigerian Mum in US Risks Life Imprisonment Over Daughter’s Heatstroke Death

A Nigerian woman based in Texas, United States, Gbemisola Akayinode, is facing a potential life sentence after being charged with the murder of her nine-year-old daughter, Oluwasikemi, who died from heatstroke after being left in a car for over eight hours.

According to the News Men, the 36-year-old mother was arrested after the Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, confirmed that the child’s death was ruled a homicide caused by excessive heat, when Akayinode allegedly left her daughter inside a parked vehicle while she went to work at a manufacturing plant in Galena Park, near Houston.

Court documents revealed that Akayinode arrived at work around 5:45 a.m., leaving her daughter with food, a rechargeable fan, ice cubes, and water, and lowering the back windows halfway. She reportedly did not check on her until her shift ended at 1:53 p.m., when she found the child unresponsive and blue.

Investigators said Akayinode initially told police she brought her daughter along because she could not afford day care until her next paycheck. However, further inquiries revealed that her workplace foreman had been covering the cost of her child’s day care, contradicting her claim.

Officials stated that Akayinode had previously brought her daughter to work on multiple occasions, including the day before the incident. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the mother’s account and surveillance evidence formed the basis for the murder charge.

Legal experts from Saputo Toufexis Criminal Defense, a U.S.-based law firm, explained that under Texas Penal Code Section 19.02, murder is punishable as a first-degree felony, carrying a penalty of five to 99 years or life imprisonment. However, if the defendant proves the act occurred under “sudden passion arising from adequate cause,” it could be downgraded to a second-degree felony with a maximum of 20 years.

Akayinode is scheduled to appear in court , where prosecutors are expected to present full evidence in the case.

22/10/2025
Jigawa Police Clamp Down on Drug Syndicate, Huge Seizure Made

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspected drug kingpins and seized over 23,000 illicit drugs during coordinated raids across parts of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the development on Tuesday in Dutse, the state capital, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by officers from the Garki, Fagam, and Maigatari divisions.

The suspects, identified as Muhammad Garba (60) from Mekiya village in Kano State, Musa Garba (55), and Hudu Ma’ilu from Guneri village, Niger Republic, were said to have long been under police surveillance for alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking within Jigawa and neighboring states.

According to SP Adam, the police recovered 23,944 assorted illicit substances, including 13,505 units of Exol, 1,583 units of D5, 3,572 tablets of Tramadol, 565 capsules of Diazepam, and 2,469 bottles of Rubber Solution.

Other confiscated items included 886 wraps and blocks of cannabis, as well as other narcotics such as Sock and Die, Akurkura, and 340 units of Farin Malam.

Adam described the seizure as a significant blow to drug networks operating in the state, noting that the suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammed, as commending the officers involved for their professionalism and courage during the operations.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking and abuse, urging residents to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

22/10/2025
Imisi Opens Up on Life After Big Brother Naija Victory

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, has opened up about her challenges adapting to life in the spotlight, particularly the constant pressure to maintain a glamorous appearance.

Speaking at a recent public event, the reality TV star admitted that the transition from private life to celebrity status has not been easy, saying one of her biggest struggles is wearing makeup regularly.

Imisi explained that she has always preferred a natural look and dislikes having beauty products or even body hair, but now feels compelled to maintain a polished image due to public expectations.

“I’d say having to put on makeup each time I step out, maybe for an event like this, really isn’t my thing. I don’t like things on my face, and I even hate hairs on my body,” she said.

The BBNaija winner added that fame has forced her to adjust her lifestyle, acknowledging the societal expectation for public figures to appear flawless.

“Honestly, I think I look good without all that, but because of what you’re trying to portray and how people expect you to appear, you’ve got to keep your hair, makeup, and nails done,” she added.

22/10/2025
OAU Students Injured as Robbers Invade Hostel in Ile-Ife

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned the recent attack on some of its students by suspected armed robbers.

In a statement issued , the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, noting that it occurred Earlier this week, at Oreoluwa Hostel, located within Moremi Estate in Ile-Ife metropolis.

According to him, the assailants stormed the hostel between 10:35 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., dispossessing students of their valuables and inflicting injuries on some of them.

Olarewaju commended the Students’ Union officials for their swift action in conveying the injured victims to the University Health and Medical Centre, where they received immediate treatment.

Three students, Ogedengbe Emmanuel Oluwafemi and Emmanuel Akinribiye, both Part Four students of the Department of Management and Accounting, and Olalekan David Okemiga, a final-year student of Mathematics sustained injuries during the attack.

While the first two suffered deep machete cuts to the head and hands, Okemiga was beaten but did not sustain open wounds.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, condemned the attack and praised the prompt response of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, A Division, Ile-Ife, and Oke-Otubu Division, Modakeke.

He urged security agencies, especially the police and DSS, to intensify patrols around student residential areas and appealed to philanthropists to support the construction of more hostels within the campus to enhance safety.

The Osun State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and assured that efforts were underway to apprehend the culprits.

22/10/2025
Kogi Police Investigate Shooting Death of 25-Year-Old Fulani Man

Police in Kogi State have arrested two men in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old Fulani herder, Sule Muhammadu, in the Aku area of the state.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred Ealier this week, when Muhammadu went to graze his cattle in a nearby bush. His body was later discovered along the old road leading to Aku village, with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Royal News gathered that an empty cartridge was recovered at the scene, and photographs were taken before the body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The suspects, identified as Momoh Jimoh Abdul Malik and Dada Adeika, both residents of Aku community, have been taken into police custody for further investigation.

Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the development.

22/10/2025
Kaduna Nurse Killed While Returning Home From Work

A nurse with Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar Gayan, Zaria, has been killed by suspected phone snatchers while returning home from work.

The victim, identified as Hadiza Musa, was the Deputy Head of the hospital’s maternity unit. She was reportedly attacked around 6:30 p.m. earlier this week near Filin Mallawa, Tudun Wada, in Zaria.

Her husband, Hamza Ibrahim Idris, who works in Abuja, said his wife had earlier called to inform him she was going to a salon and an Islamic chemist before heading home.

According to him, the attackers, who were riding in a tricycle, attempted to snatch her phone and struck her on the head during the struggle.

Her body was later discovered dumped by the roadside near Mallawa Eid Ground. She was taken to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, where doctors confirmed her death.

As of the time of filing this report, the police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

22/10/2025