Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has called on Muslims to intensify prayers for the country’s leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Wednesday.

The sultan urged citizens to hold on to spiritual virtues, support the government, and pray for divine guidance for leaders at all levels.

According to him, prayers remain essential in guiding the nation toward choosing responsible and capable leaders.

“Our prayers are always the guiding light toward the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to sustain the spirit of worship, sacrifice and devotion demonstrated during the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

The Sultan described Eid-el-Kabir as a historic period of sacrifice, love and celebration, while praying for Muslims to witness many more celebrations in peace and prosperity.

He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto for his continued commitment to the welfare of the people of Sokoto State, particularly in addressing security challenges across the state.

Abubakar also appreciated the governor’s efforts in ensuring a smooth transportation arrangement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise and prayed for their safe return.

Eid-el-Kabir: Pray for Nigerian leaders ahead of 2027 elections – Sultan of Sokoto to Muslims

African Democratic Congress, Ekiti state Chapter  strongly condemns the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of ADC in Ado Constituency 1,  on allegations of rape.

We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of state power. Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.  Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that rape is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment. The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.

*We therefore demand the Immediate investigation* into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.

The party,  demand the *release of  Ayodele Babatola* on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial, in line with his constitutional right.

 

We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti state Attorney General,  National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.

E- Signed

Rt. Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan

Director, Communications, Media and Publicity,

Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations

Ado- Ekiti

26- 05- 2026

Governors, political leaders, and public office holders across the country have called on Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, to

The post Eid-el-Kabir: Governors, lawmakers, others preach peace, sacrifice appeared first on Tribune Online.

Israeli military officials have announced the elimination of Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, in a precision airstrike carried out in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City on Tuesday.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defence Forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Odeh was killed in an operation in northern Gaza on May 26, 2026.

The IDF described him as a key figure who served as Hamas’ intelligence chief before assuming overall command of the Qassam Brigades and said he played a central role in planning and coordinating aspects of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

“Odeh served as the Head of Hamas’ military wing’s intelligence headquarters following the elimination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad,” the military said, adding that he directed infiltration and attack targets during the October 7 massacre.

Odeh had assumed command of the Qassam Brigades only days or weeks before his death, following the killing of al-Haddad in a mid-May Israeli strike. Netanyahu praised the operation and vowed continued action against those involved in the 2023 attacks.

Hamas-affiliated media confirmed Odeh’s death, reporting that he was killed alongside his wife and sons.

Palestinian hospital and civil defence officials reported at least three people killed and around a dozen injured in the strike, which hit a residential building.

Israel Kills Hamas Military Wing Chief In Gaza Airstrike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States of America has provided reasons that led to another strike on Iran on Monday 

The US disclosed that Monday strikes in Iran were prompted by its detection of a pattern of increasing and potentially threatening Iranian activity over 24 hours.

The US Central Command, CENTCOM, on Monday reported that its forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran to protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Our forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” CENTCOM said.

The hostility between the United States and Iran started in late February when the US, in collaboration with its ally, Israel, launched an offensive attack on the Islamic Republic, leading to the death of its Supreme Leader and others.

US govt gives reason for Monday’s strike on Iran

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand one Mohammed Habu Gololo at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking, defamation and incitement linked to comments about Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned the matter until June 15 for hearing of Gololo’s bail application and ordered that he remain in custody pending the hearing.

Gololo was arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations that a viral video and Facebook posts attributed to him violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and the Penal Code.

The charges stem from a video in which Gololo allegedly claimed that Akpabio said northerners must vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election or risk being expelled from Nigeria.

He pleaded not guilty to all seven counts.

The office of the Senate President denied the allegation, describing the claims as false and malicious.

Counsel to Gololo, Mohammed Habu, appeared in court on behalf of the retired military officer during the proceedings. 

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has blasted President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for betraying the trust of the Senegalese people.

Frank made this known in a statement on Friday amid controversy that trailed Senegal’s newly elected Speaker Ousmane Sonko.

He said the political crisis in Senegal reflects what he described as a painful betrayal of the revolutionary vision championed by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

According to him, millions of Senegalese youths who supported the movement in pursuit of accountability, sovereignty, and institutional reforms are now disillusioned by what they see as a gradual return to the old political order.

He added that Senegalese now view the development as a betrayal of the revolution they fought for.

“Without Sonko’s sacrifices, political structure, popularity, and influence among Senegalese youths, Bassirou Diomaye Faye would almost certainly never have become president,” Frank stated.

“The fight between President Faye and PM Sonko is mainly because President Faye has betrayed the trust reposed in him by the Senegalese people by taking Senegal back to the control of France,” Frank alleged.

Senegal Crisis: ‘You’re betraying people’s trust’ — Timi Frank tells Faye over fight with Sonko

The management of the University of Ilesa has warned prospective candidates against engaging individuals or groups claiming to facilitate admission into the institution through unofficial means.

In a notice issued by the university management on Wednesday, authorities stressed that the institution does not authorise or recognise POST-UTME or admission agents for candidate registration or admission processing.

The university stated that all admission procedures must be carried out strictly through its official registration platform to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and impostors.

“The University of Ilesa strongly cautions prospective candidates against patronising POST-UTME or admission agents,” the statement read.

It added that the institution “does not authorise or endorse such services” and advised applicants to rely solely on official communication channels provided by the university.

To assist candidates seeking clarification, the university released designated contact numbers for admission-related enquiries.

The institution urged candidates and parents to remain vigilant throughout the admission exercise and avoid making payments or disclosing personal information to unauthorised individuals posing as admission representatives.

UNILESA warns candidates against fraudulent Post-UTME admission agents

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, USCIRF, has disclosed that no fewer than 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across Nigeria.

The USCIRF’s report titled “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants,” said armed Fulani militants are the ones worsening insecurity and religious freedom violations in several parts of the country.

The report, which was released in May 2026, described the armed groups as some of the deadliest non-state actors responsible for violent attacks across the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria.

The USCIRF stated that the militants operate in clusters ranging from 10 to 1,000 fighters, carrying out coordinated assaults that have led to thousands of deaths, mass displacement and heightened religious tensions.

According to the Commission, attacks linked to Fulani militants accounted for the highest number of deaths among religious communities in Nigeria in the past year, surpassing casualties attributed to organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs.

It pointed out that although many attacks targeted Christian communities, Muslim communities had also suffered killings, kidnappings and raids.

“Violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year compared to attacks by organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs,” it said.

The commission noted that while the groups lacked a central leadership structure, some factions occasionally collaborated with bandit networks and extremist organisations.

“These actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations.

“While many Fulani militant groups wage independent attacks, others periodically coordinate with a wide range of actors, from conventional bandit gangs seeking financial enrichment to recognised terrorist organisations that espouse violent interpretations of Islam,” it added.

30,000 armed Fulani militants driving Nigeria’s insecurity — US govt

The Labour Party, LP, has noted that the values embodied by Eid al-Adha have become even more urgent and relevant at this time, when the nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, and growing social and ethno-religious tensions.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluna Asogwa, the Labour Party felicitated the entire Ummah on the solemn and spiritually significant occasion.

Muslims in Nigeria and across the world are commemorating the sacred festival of Eid al-Kabir.

LP noted that Eid al-Adha symbolises profound faith, obedience, sacrifice, and total submission exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) in his total devotion to the will of Almighty Allah. 

“Beyond the festivities, this holy season calls for deep reflection, renewed spirituality, selflessness, and greater commitment to the service of humanity,” the statement said.

It added, “At a time our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, and growing social and ethno-religious tensions, the values embodied by Eid al-Adha have become even more urgent and relevant. 

“We therefore urge Nigerians to embrace compassion, generosity, and mutual understanding, especially towards the less privileged and vulnerable in society.”

The Labour Party also called on those entrusted with leadership and public responsibility to govern with justice, fairness, equity, and empathy in line with the noble teachings of Islam, which place great emphasis on the welfare and protection of the people, ideals that the Labour Party vigorously pursues. 

“This is a defining moment for leaders at all levels to rise above selfish interests and work sincerely towards alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.”

“As we celebrate this blessed festival, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) accepts our sacrifices and acts of worship, grants peace and prosperity to our nation, and continues to guide us on the path of righteousness.

“Eid Mubarak to all Nigerians. May this celebration bring abundant blessings, divine mercy, peace, and renewed hope to every home.”

Eld el Kabir: ‘Govern in line with teachings of Allah’ – Labour Party to govt