News
31 suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, substance abuse in Kano
The Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Security Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has intensified its fight against thuggery and substance abuse, arresting 31 suspects during a series of coordinated raids across key areas in the state.
The operations, which took place between May 10 and May 14, targeted known criminal hideouts in Dorayi, Ja’in, Sharada, Unguwar Dabai, Dukawa, Kabuga, Kofar Mata, and surrounding communities.
Speaking after the operation, the chairman of the task force, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, emphasized the committee’s long-term vision.
“Creating a drug-free and peaceful Kano is our mission,” he said. “We are determined to clean up Kano’s streets and give our youths a chance at rehabilitation.”
The intelligence-led raids resulted in the arrest of 25 suspected thugs and six alleged drug dealers.
Recovered items included four Dane guns, nine knives and cutlasses, three clubs (gora), three and a half parcels of suspected cannabis (wiwi), 173 pieces of suspected exol tablets, and other illicit drugs.
Among those apprehended were several individuals described by authorities as notorious thugs operating in Dorayi Quarters, including Dan Abba, Bola, Baka Kashi, Ramos, Abba Maciji, and Abdul Baki. According to Dr. Kofar Mata, these individuals have been central figures in the long-running security crisis in the area.
“This operation has struck at the heart of criminal activities in Dorayi and its environs,” he said. “The identification and arrest of these individuals, some of whom are known to have terrorized their neighborhoods for years, marks a turning point in our fight against insecurity and youth involvement in violent crimes.”
The 25 suspects have already been charged and remanded by Magistrate Court Number 16 along Zungeru Road, Kano. The six drug suspects, including a notorious dealer identified as Rabi’u Hamza, have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Dr. Kofar Mata expressed optimism that the operation would help restore lasting peace in communities affected by youth-led violence.
“There is no doubt that the removal of these elements from Dorayi will help bring an end to thuggery-related violence that has plagued the area for more than two decades,” he said.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of the security operations.
“Our mission is clear — to create a drug-free, secure, and peaceful environment for all citizens of Kano State,” he stated.
“We remain steadfast and resolute in our efforts. The committee, which brings together security agencies and government functionaries, is committed to restoring peace to Kano communities.”
The task force says more operations will follow in other parts of the state as part of a broader campaign to rehabilitate youtha and create a responsible generation.
News
Nigerians now banned from traveling to US as Trump expands travel restriction list
President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries identified as high risk due to what the White House described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that threaten national security and public safety.
Among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions is Nigeria. The decision was announced in a fact sheet published on the White House website on December 16, 2025, titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States”.
The White House said the move was aimed at strengthening national security through what it called common sense restrictions based on data.
The proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals from the original 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
It also introduces full restrictions on five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full restrictions.
Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela remain subject to partial restrictions.
In addition, the proclamation imposes partial entry restrictions on 15 more countries. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The fact sheet states that exemptions remain in place for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve United States national interests.
Business
IMO OPENS NEW ECONOMIC FRONTIER AS UZODIMMA COMMISSIONS NOVA BANK REGIONAL OFFICE IN OWERRI.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
16- DEC- 2025
Imo State took another decisive step toward economic expansion on Monday, December 15, 2025, as Governor Hope Uzodimma formally inaugurated the regional headquarters of Nova Bank in Owerri, signalling the state’s growing appeal as an investment destination.
While addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony, the governor noted that deliberate reforms, sustained infrastructural development, and a more business-friendly policy environment have steadily repositioned Imo State to attract credible investors. He described Nova Bank’s choice of Owerri as a strategic endorsement of the state’s economic viability and long-term growth prospects.
Governor Uzodimma praised the Chairman of Nova Bank, Mr. Philip Oduozor, for his experience and leadership within the financial sector, assuring the institution of continued government collaboration. He added that the arrival of Nova Bank, alongside the recent establishment of Access Bank’s regional headquarters in the state, reflects increasing confidence by the private sector in Imo’s economic direction.
Reiterating his administration’s vision, the governor emphasized ongoing efforts to transition Imo from a largely leisure-based economy into a competitive commercial centre. He pointed to significant investments in road networks, security architecture, digital systems, power supply, and overall ease of doing business, while encouraging Nova Bank to expand its footprint in the state, including consideration of Owerri for its corporate headquarters.
In his remarks, Mr. Oduozor explained that Nova Bank, which began operations in 2018 as a merchant bank, has now secured a full commercial banking licence. He stated that the bank intends to play a critical role in financing small and medium-scale enterprises across Imo State and the wider South East region by improving access to credit.
The commissioning ceremony ended with a guided inspection of the new facilities by Governor Uzodimma and top executives of the bank, marking another milestone in Imo State’s economic transformation drive.
News
Actress Doris Ogala doubles down on claims against Pastor Chris Okafor, insists on compensation or marriage
Actress Doris Ogala has intensified her allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, insisting she was in a long-term relationship with him from 2017 and was promised marriage.
Speaking emotionally, Doris claimed she supported the pastor privately, bought gifts for his children, and stayed loyal for years, only to be abandoned when he decided to marry someone else.
She accused those online, including Dee One, of taking money to do “damage control,” stressing that her demands are legal, not blackmail. According to her, she is seeking compensation for emotional damage, career loss, and broken promises, adding that her lawyer is already preparing formal demands.
Doris also admitted to phone-based intimacy during her troubled marriage but denied any physical affair at the time. She maintained she has evidence to back her claims and alleged she is not the only woman Pastor Chris promised marriage.
“I’m not backing down. This is my right,” she said, warning that she is ready to speak fully if pushed further.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVHaVegjI7/?igsh=ZG1jNWNnZjN4YWZt
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
