One of the pilgrims from Kano State, Shu’aibu Jibrin, has been confirmed dead in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, just 24 hours to the initiation of the 2025 Hajj rites.

This was confirmed by the Kano State Pilgrim Welfare Board’s spokesperson, Malam Suleiman Dederi, who informed that Jibrin passed away on Tuesday after a sudden illness.

One of the victim’s relatives, Sama’uddin Aliyu Kadawa, who is performing the pilgrimage, also confirmed the incident to journalists in Makkah.

“He was okay when he left home. After he became ill, he was admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital for two days and was discharged after his health improved.

“Unfortunately, his condition worsened again yesterday, and he was rushed back to the hospital. Despite the efforts of our Nigerian doctors and the medical team at the hospital, he passed away around 2:50 a.m.,” he added.

Aliyu disclosed that his brother, now late Jibrin, was a farmer at Gargai, Bebeji Local Government of Kano State. He also stated that the man had ulcer and hypertension history but doctors at the Saudi hospital stated that he had cardiac arrest and heart failure, leading to his death.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has officially received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, who has relocated to Benue State to tackle the worsening security situation in the state.

Princess Mako of Japan, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, has given birth to her first child with her husband, Kei Komuro. The Imperial Household Agency announced the news, confirming that both mother and child are in good health.

Mako Komuro, 33, relinquished her royal status in 2021 to marry Kei Komuro, a commoner and her former college classmate. The couple moved to New York, where Kei works as a lawyer. After five years of marriage, they have welcomed their first child together.

Mako’s parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, are reportedly overjoyed at the news and have extended their best wishes to the family.

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