News
FCT Minister Wike, Emir Ado Bayero Image Sparks Reactions On Social Media

A striking image of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, engaged in an intense discussion with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sparked widespread speculation.
Could this meeting signal a political manoeuvre or a bid for influence in Abuja’s corridors of power?
A recently surfaced image of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, deep in conversation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. The picture, circulating widely, has led to intense debates about its political implications.
Renowned political analyst Shehu Mahdi took to social media platform X to share his enigmatic reaction:
“YOUR GUESS COULD BE CORRECT: What comes to your mind on seeing this picture? Politics? Justice on the plate? Saving grace away from home? Seeking refuge?
How the mighty have fallen? Spirit dancing to the devil? End of the game? Casualty on the way? Another sole administrator?”
This cryptic message has only fuelled speculation, leaving many to wonder whether the meeting was a strategic move by Ado Bayero to reclaim his throne or if it was simply a routine discussion.
Following his dethronement, Ado Bayero’s future remains uncertain, and many believe his meeting with Wike was not a mere coincidence. Wike, a seasoned political strategist with strong ties to the current administration, is known for his calculated moves. The timing of this encounter suggests that something significant could be unfolding behind closed doors.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the former Emir may be exploring legal and political avenues to challenge his removal. Others speculate that he could be negotiating a favourable political settlement, ensuring that his influence remains intact despite losing the throne.
Wike’s role in this saga cannot be overlooked. As a key figure in the government, he wields significant influence in the nation’s political landscape. Given his history of bold and strategic decisions, his meeting with Ado Bayero is bound to raise eyebrows.
Is Wike offering support, or is he merely playing a neutral role in the unfolding drama? Some political analysts argue that the discussion could be an attempt to align interests, especially if Ado Bayero seeks federal backing to mount a legal or political challenge against his dethronement.
Shehu Mahdi’s cryptic statement has left many wondering whether there are deeper forces influencing Kano’s leadership crisis. Could external players be pulling the strings behind the scenes? His reference to “justice on the plate” and “casualty on the way” hints at the possibility of larger forces at work, shaping the destiny of Kano’s traditional institution.
As speculation continues to mount, only time will reveal the true purpose of this meeting.
For now, the nation watches closely, waiting to see if this encounter will alter the political landscape in Kano and beyond.
Security
Murder: Police Complete Extradition Of Killaboi, To Face Charges

The Nigeria Police Force said it has completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar, to Nigeria.
Killaboi, who had been on the run for the murder of Augusta Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.
The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, dated 29th September 2024.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, said the matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which investigations revealed that the suspect murdered Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, in his residence located at No. 24a Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.
Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.
The statement said “He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity ‘KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Freetown.
“Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.
“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja.
He extended appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.
The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.
National
Benue Gov Seeks FG Help As Death Toll In Attacks Hits 56

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Federal Government to step up and deal with rising insecurity in the state as the death toll from the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on Ukum and Logo local government areas in the state has risen to 56.
The governor made the call on Saturday when he visited the scenes of attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo local government areas to ascertain the impact of the attacks.
Addressing journalists after the visit to the affected communities in the two local government areas, Alia condemned the violent attacks on the defenseless people and called for greater action from security agencies to nip these killings in the bud.
The governor used the visit to engage with community leaders and their people whom he assured of a better deal in addressing all forms of insecurity.
He also called for calm and urged the people to resist the will to resort to self-help
Security has also been beefed up in the Sankera axis where these attacks happened to restore confidence, while emergency services and relief items have been extended to the two local government areas.
In neighbouring Plateau State, also in the North Central geopolitical zone, over 100 people have been killed in the last two weeks when bloodthirsty marauders unleashed mayhem on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.
Politics
Bauchi Deputy Governor’s Aide Denies Slapping Tuggar

Muhammad Auwal Jatau, Bauchi deputy governor, has denied reports claiming that he slapped Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, during a high-profile event in the state.
The alleged incident was said to have taken place on Friday inside a white coaster bus conveying dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa international airport to the Bauchi emir’s palace.
The dignitaries were en route to the turbaning of Mohammed Abubakar, a former governor of the state.
According to unverified reports, an argument broke out after the minister allegedly made disparaging comments about Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state governor.
Jatau was said to have slapped the minister in reaction, reportedly in the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other prominent figures.
But Muslim Lawal, spokesperson to the deputy governor, described the claim as “false and baseless”.
“No, no, no, how can the deputy governor slap the minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a responsible person,” he said.
“The number two person cannot slap a minister or whoever person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just hearing this from you.”
Lawal questioned the credibility of the viral report and called on anyone with evidence to present it.
“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m just hearing about that from you,” he said.
“But my belief is that there is no way the deputy governor will slap a minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my principal or whoever is in his position.”
He said there was no reasonable provocation for such an act.
“What is even the issue that will make the deputy governor slap a minister?” he asked.
“I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the deputy governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t even know about it. That’s our position.
“And I don’t even think that the deputy governor, even if it is not in the presence of the vice-president, can do that.”