Dreaded bandit leaders were captured celebrating Eid Mubarak in Faskari, Katsina State on Friday. A counter-terrorism expert, mobilisingniger idisclosed this n a post on X, saying the leaders including one Musa Goje organized the celebration. According to the security expert, the video was uploaded a few hours ago after the bandit leaders converged to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The video captured children admiring the assailants and showing keen interest in the celebration. Bandits have been wrecking havoc in parts of Katsina State, with several people have been kidnapped and others killed in the rampage.

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has noted with concern that Nigeria, and especially the Northern region retains the unenviable status of “poverty capital of the world”, where living challenges have become entrenched. While congratulating the Nigerian and worldwide Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the 1447AH Eid-il-Fitr, the forum noted that generalised dire economic hardships have belied official claims about conditions getting better, adding that multidimensional poverty and associated forms of socioeconomic and political deprivations have remained the lot of an overwhelming proportion of citizens. The forum said the year’s Holy Month, an otherwise a period of fervent worship, spiritual reflections, sacrifice and benevolent gestures to fellow humans, has been observed amid existential challenges and downward spiral in living conditions. A statement issued by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Muhammad-Baba said, “All three geo-political regions in the North face daunting, as if to signal an inexorable slide into dystopia. The Northcentral zone has been under siege as armed non-state actors continue to disturb the peace of the people in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kogi and Kwara states. States in the Northwest, the epicentre of banditry, have remained under the vice grip of bloodthirsty criminals euphemistically labelled “bandits” as if to perversely rationalise their dark criminal enterprise.” In the Northeast, the forum noted that religious extremists appear poised to resurface with their quixotic search for a putative utopia and further illustrating Nigeria’s downward spiral, are the unprovoked heinous attacks by ragtag non-state actors on military outposts as recently recorded in Borno and Plateau states. It explained that the existential cauldron of challenges is deep, wide, cascading and spiralling out of control and adding to the challenges are outcries, from the so-called opposition parties and individuals, against extra-judicial arrests and prolonged, unconstitutional detention and other strongarm tactics, by the political authorities and their agencies, against widely accepted universal principles and practices of democracy. According to Muhammad-Baba, “In short, the general situation of the people is of despair, hopelessness and despondency, such that the Ramadan fast as well as, coincidently, Lent, was observed attests to the peoples’ resilience and never-say-die spirits. “Still, the political authorities must not take this situation for granted. Should conditions continue to deteriorate, the political authorities risk the peoples’ wrath and protests.” He stated that ACF believed that the Nigerian condition is not insurmountable as much could be achieved through the entrenchment of the principles of good governance in public policy formulation and implementation, in place of the current surreal obsession with political campaigns for re-election against in 2027. ACF urged the people to remain patient and steadfast in prayers for a better Nigeria, saying that nothing in existential conditions lasts forever and called on politicians aspiring to run for political offices in the 2027 elections to imbibe edifying values and principles of prudence, restrain and introspection as these values relate to their responsibilities to the electorate. It then called for continuing unalloyed support for the security agents to decimate criminals and criminality in Nigeria.

Nollywood actor, Aremu Afolayan, has apologised to Nigerians, saying he is stepping away from politics after backlash over his recent comments in a viral video supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.. In a video shared on Instagram page, the actor asked for forgiveness following reactions to his earlier statements. He said the criticism had become overwhelming and denied claims that he received money from any individual or group. Afolayan also addressed his remarks on insecurity in the country, explaining that he did not deny the security situation but was misunderstood. According to him, insecurity is real, citing a personal experience involving the kidnapping of his friend’s mother which involved ransom payment . Following backlash trailing his comments, Afolayan said he no longer wants to be involved in political matters and is withdrawing from anything related to politics. “To all Nigerians, please forgive me. I’m very sorry. The curse you guys are raining on me is too much. I didn’t take money from anyone. It’s obvious that there’s insecurity and the government isn’t doing anything; what I was trying to say is don’t answer anyone who is saying there’s no insecurity. “My best friend’s mother was kidnapped and we paid ransom; how would I say there’s no insecurity? I know Tinubu is not your choice. I’m withdrawing myself from anything that has to do with politics,” he declared. The development came shortly after the actor, among other notable Nollywood actors and actresses, publicly showed support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election. In the now-viral video, the actor spoke in favour of the president’s efforts and was accused of downplaying the economic hardship and insecurity challenges in Nigeria.

A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, on Thursday led his followers in observing Eid al-Fitr prayers in defiance of a directive issued by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who had declared Friday as the official Sallah day. Lukuwa conducted the two-unit Eid prayer at his Mabera mosque at about 9:10am, hours after the Sultan announced that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thereby extending the Ramadan fast by a day. In a message circulated on social media, the cleric justified his decision, citing confirmed reports of moon sightings in neighbouring Niger Republic. “Niger Republic is very close to us — about 100 kilometres away. “If we accept reports from cities like Kano or even Lagos, which are farther away, there is no reason to reject confirmed sightings from a neighbouring country,” ” he said. He stressed that the action was not intended to undermine the Sultan’s authority but was based on religious conviction. “We usually follow the Sultan’s directive in starting and ending Ramadan. However, when it is clear that the moon has been sighted, we must act in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet, even if it differs from the Sultan’s declaration,” he stated. Providing historical context, Lukuwa referenced the era of Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, when prominent scholars independently announced moon sightings before the responsibility was centralised under the Sultan to ensure unity among Muslims. He maintained that the Sultan’s decision on this occasion was incorrect. He reportedly informed congregants around midnight of the development and directed them to assemble for Eid prayers Thursday morning. In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is the recognised authority for declaring the commencement and end of Ramadan based on verified moon sightings across the country. His announcements are widely followed to promote unity among Muslims. However, differences over moon sightings — especially when reports emerge from neighbouring countries — have occasionally led to divergent observances by some clerics and communities, particularly in northern Nigeria. This is not the first time Lukuwa and his followers have taken a position at variance with the Sultan’s official declaration, reflecting a broader debate within Islamic jurisprudence on the acceptance of moon sightings beyond national boundaries.

It was a meeting of excellence as the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, hosted and celebrated Miss Nastrat Adetunji, an indigene who recently achieved a First-Class degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The red-carpet event, held at the palace, served as a royal recognition of Adetunji’s academic feat. During the visit, the monarch engaged the graduate in an intellectual discussion, notably querying the distinctions between Medical Laboratory Science and Medicine. Adetunji reportedly impressed the King with her "intellectual depth," articulating the differences in course duration and the specific clinical scopes of both disciplines. Overwhelmed by her brilliance, Oba Olaoye showered her with royal blessings, holding her up as a beacon of inspiration for the youth of Ogbomosoland. The graduate was accompanied by her father and a delegation from the Board of Six Stars Remedial Classes, including Matthew Olojede and Solomon Ogundola. This royal honor comes on the heels of another significant milestone for Adetunji; just ten days ago, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, she was conferred with an award by the "Obinrin Rere" organization in conjunction with the Female Lawyers of Nigeria. The ceremony concluded with a celebratory atmosphere, reinforcing the local adage that "a golden star has no hiding place."

OGBOMOSO – Following a strategic intervention by security agencies to quell rising tensions in Ogbomoso, Rev. Niyi Adebayo of the True Worshipper Church has issued an open letter calling for a total ceasefire on social media "warfare" among local journalists, bloggers, and content creators. The cleric’s message comes on the heels of a landmark meeting brokered by the Area Commander and the DPO of the Owode Division, aimed at restoring order following months of digital friction surrounding sensitive local issues. Rev. Adebayo hailed the move by the police as a "landmark laurel" and a "patriotic move." He noted that while some may view the intervention as belated, it remains a courageous step toward ensuring that Ogbomoso does not descend into chaos. He also revealed that several senior citizens and concerned individuals, both at home and in the diaspora, have been working silently to mediate between warring factions online. Addressing those who attended the peace meeting—including popular figures such as Amotekun Oodua, Karohunwi, Olorire, Femi, Coded, Bukola Omo Ogbomoso, and Mary D—the cleric urged them to stay committed to the "accord." "The city loves you and wishes you well," Adebayo stated, but he was quick to add a stern directive: "If anyone breaks the accord, don’t reply him; report him straight to the police." He further warned those who were absent from the meeting—mentioning Gudugudu, Facobless, Oro ku topo, Arosophy, Kabisanra, Seyi, and Baba Lobanika—that "ignorance of the law excuses nobody." He emphasized that the government and police have spoken, and the city is watching their next moves. The letter addressed the root cause of the recent online friction, specifically citing sensitive topics like the "Imamship matter," "Oba matters," and "Ayilara’s Family matters." Rev. Adebayo warned that these complex issues cannot be resolved on social media and that "avoidable media jabs" have previously frustrated peace efforts. Dismissing the common defense used by content creators regarding personal data and page ownership, the cleric noted: "Telling us that you are the owner of your page... will not be enough justification to continue those provocative posts. Our dream should be to leave Ogbomoso better than we met her. If you can’t make our city better, don’t make it bitter." In a significant development, the cleric revealed that a team of Ogbomoso descendants in the diaspora is now ready to provide the necessary support to the police to prosecute offenders and confront their sponsors. The message concluded with a reminder of Ogbomoso`s status as a highly civilized and well-traveled community that deserves "first-class media projection" rather than being treated like a "jungle."

OGBOMOSO – In a strategic move to restore order and decorum to the digital landscape of Ogbomoso, the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Owode Division have successfully brokered a peace accord with local journalists, bloggers, and content creators. The initiative, described by community leaders as a "landmark laurel," aims to curb the rising tide of provocative social media posts that have recently threatened the peace of Oyo State’s second-largest city. The meeting brought together high-profile local digital voices, including representatives from Amotekun Oodua, Karohunwi, Olorire, Femi, Coded, Bukola Omo Ogbomoso, and Mary D. The core of the agreement mandates that influencers shift their focus toward "Lessons and Blessings" for the community rather than fueling division. A key directive issued to the creators is to avoid digital "clout-chasing" or retaliatory posts. Instead, they have been instructed to report any individual who breaks the accord directly to the police. While acknowledging that some popular creators—including Gudugudu, Facobless, Oro ku topo, Arosophy, Kabisanra, Seyi, and Baba Lobanika—were absent from the initial meeting, community leaders emphasized that "ignorance of the law is no excuse." "The police have spoken. The government has spoken," a spokesperson for the concerned citizens stated. "The city is watching. If you cannot make our city better, do not make it bitter." The peace move specifically highlighted that sensitive communal issues—such as the Imamship tussle, Oba-related matters, and the Ayilara family disputes—are beyond the jurisdiction of social media commentary. Influencers were warned that previous peace efforts had been frustrated by "avoidable media jabs" and that the excuse of "using my own data on my own page" would no longer justify provocative content. A coalition of Ogbomoso sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, has reportedly been formed to provide logistics and support to the police. This team is prepared to fund the prosecution of any content creator who continues to incite violence or defame individuals, as well as those who sponsor such activities. The message to the digital community remains clear: Ogbomoso is a civilized city that deserves first-class media projection. Loyalty to a cause or person should be shown through promotion, not by dragging others unscrupulously.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims in Nigeria to begin searching for the crescent moon that will mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. A statement from the Sultanate Council, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, said that Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, has been set for the moon sighting. “The Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims throughout the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement said. Muslims who sight the crescent are asked to report it to their local district or village head, who will forward the information to the Sultanate Council for confirmation. The phone lines shared by the council for direct reports include 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903, and 07067146900. The sighting of the Shawwal moon marks the end of Ramadan fasting and the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Muslim world. The Sultan, as Nigeria’s top Muslim spiritual leader, officially announces the start and end of Ramadan after verifying moon sightings from different parts of the country.

The Search Committee of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has officially nominated and recommended Rev. Dr. David Olusola Idowu of Emmanuel Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church as the incoming President of the Convention. If confirmed by the delegates at the upcoming 113th Annual Convention-in-Session, scheduled to hold in Abuja from April 18th to April 23rd, 2026, Dr. Idowu will succeed the incumbent president, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji. Rev. Dr. Idowu is a distinguished leader, currently serving at The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church in Ilasamaja, Lagos State. His recommendation marks a significant moment for the Baptist denomination in Nigeria as it prepares for a transition in leadership during the #NBCABUJA2026 conference. The current President, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, who has led the convention since 2021, is scheduled for a send-forth service on April 22, 2026, at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Abuja. The 113th Annual Convention-in-Session, themed "Entering into Newness Through the Fruit and the Gifts of the Spirit," is expected to draw delegates from across the country to BICC, Abuja, for the leadership transition. The Baptist community and well-wishers have begun extending congratulations to Rev. Dr. Idowu on his nomination, wishing him a successful tenure ahead of the final ratification by delegates.

The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust has expressed concern over the continuous rise in fuel prices in Nigeria, warning that the development is worsening hardship for many citizens. This was contained in a statement issued by the Country Director of the organisation, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, on Monday. In the statement, the group said the persistent increase in fuel prices is placing a heavy burden on ordinary Nigerians, leading to higher transportation costs, rising food prices, and an overall increase in the cost of living across the country. “The International Human Rights Commission- Relief Fund Trust expresses serious concern over the continuous rise in fuel prices in Nigeria and the growing hardship it is causing for ordinary citizens,” the statement said. The organisation noted that Nigeria is an oil-producing nation with significant petroleum resources and some refining capacity, making the situation difficult for many citizens to understand. “Nigeria is an oil-producing country with significant petroleum resources and existing refining capacity. Many citizens therefore find it difficult to understand why domestic fuel prices continue to increase despite these advantages,” the statement added. According to the group, although global oil prices sometimes fluctuate, Nigerians expect that the country’s natural resources should provide some form of economic relief for the population. “While global oil prices may fluctuate, the expectation of Nigerians is that the nation’s natural resources should translate into economic relief and shared benefits for its people,” the organisation stated. However, it said the current reality appears to be different, as rising fuel prices continue to put additional pressure on households already facing economic challenges. “Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be the case, as rising fuel prices continue to place additional pressure on already struggling households,” the statement said. The organisation therefore called on the country’s leadership to respond to the situation with urgency, transparency and a strong sense of responsibility toward citizens. “We call on the leadership of the country to act with urgency, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the welfare of citizens,” the statement noted. It also urged stakeholders, especially members of the National Assembly of Nigeria, to review the situation and take steps that would address the growing concern. “We also urge all relevant stakeholders, particularly members of the National Assembly, to carefully review the situation and take appropriate measures to address this growing concern,” the statement added. IHRC stressed that the wellbeing of Nigerians must remain a top priority in the management of the country’s resources. “The wellbeing of the Nigerian people must remain a central priority in the management of our national resources,” the statement concluded.