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Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria

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Cancelled Wedding: Man Sues Ex-Fiancée’s Father Over Unpaid ₦70,000 Dowry

Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria

The United States Congress has stirred national outrage in Nigeria after recommending the repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws in northern states. The recommendations, included in a joint report on “Christian persecution in Nigeria” submitted to the White House by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Appropriations Committee, also urged the disarmament of Fulani militias and proposed restrictions on beef and cattle exports to West African countries.

The report claimed that Nigeria is the “deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing attacks by Fulani herdsmen and terrorist groups that have resulted in deaths, kidnappings, and destruction of churches and schools. It accused northern blasphemy laws of being used to silence Christians and other minorities, and urged Washington to push Nigeria toward religious legal reforms.

Religious Leaders Reject US Recommendations

Islamic clerics and scholars have strongly condemned the proposals. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric, defended the use of Sharia law, emphasizing that Muslims have a right to be governed by their religious injunctions. He also criticized what he described as a double standard in global religious discourse, noting that while other countries allow governance by religious texts for Christians, similar rights for Muslims are being challenged.

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Another cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, described the matter as “sensitive and double-edged,” warning that foreign pressure to scrap Sharia could deepen religious divisions. He stressed that violence in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Plateau affects both Christians and Muslims, urging the US to focus on capacity-building, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism cooperation instead of legal interference.

Civil Society and Experts Raise Sovereignty Concerns

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, called the US recommendations “provocative” and detrimental to Nigeria’s sovereignty. He warned that attempts to enforce legal reforms externally could undermine interfaith harmony and national stability.

Political scientist Prof Jibrin Ibrahim noted that while the US can express concern about security incidents, it cannot dictate Nigeria’s domestic policies. He highlighted that much of the violence is driven by banditry and resource conflicts, affecting citizens of all faiths, rather than targeting Christians alone.

Federal Government Stresses Cooperation and Sovereignty

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, described the report as a potential catalyst for broader cooperation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting religious freedom and emphasized that ongoing security operations, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts address threats posed by terrorist groups, bandits, and communal conflicts, irrespective of religion.

The government stressed that any foreign assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework, while warning against external interference in legal matters such as Sharia and blasphemy laws.

Call for Balanced, Home-Grown Solutions

Analysts and civil society organizations argue that while foreign concern is valid, Nigeria must determine its own policies through constitutional processes and inclusive national dialogue. Experts warn that external attempts to reform religious laws risk fueling divisions and undermining national sovereignty, calling for strategic, home-grown solutions to insecurity and interfaith tensions.

Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria

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“I Didn’t Insult Tinubu” – Makinde Refutes Sunday Igboho’s Allegations

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Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde

“I Didn’t Insult Tinubu” – Makinde Refutes Sunday Igboho’s Allegations

IBADAN — Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has outrightly dismissed claims by Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, accusing him of insulting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent public engagement.

The controversy stems from comments made by Governor Makinde during a town hall meeting in Ondo State, which triggered sharp criticism from Igboho, who claimed the governor was “jumping about” to disrespect the President.

Reacting to the allegations, Makinde clarified that his remarks were misconstrued and were never targeted at President Tinubu. The governor stressed that his observations during the Ondo event focused on national issues and governance rather than personal attacks on the Nigerian leader.

According to sources close to the administration, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to constructive engagement on national policies while maintaining due respect for the office of the President.

The exchange has since generated varied reactions across political and social media landscapes, highlighting the ongoing political dynamics between key South-West leaders ahead of upcoming regional developments.

 

“I Didn’t Insult Tinubu” – Makinde Refutes Sunday Igboho’s Allegations

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Okpebholo Links Attack on MC Porkupyne to Cult Activities, Denies Govt Involvement

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Atiku Condemns Attack on Edo Comedian Over Refusal to Support Tinubu
Benin-based comedian Osagie Idiedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne,

Okpebholo Links Attack on MC Porkupyne to Cult Activities, Denies Govt Involvement

 

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has attributed the reported attack on Benin-based comedian Osagie Idiedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, to suspected cult-related activities, dismissing allegations linking his administration to the incident as fake news.

 

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, at the Government House in Benin City.

 

According to a report by Daily Post, Okpebholo said intelligence gathered by the state government suggested that the assault was connected to cult-related activities rather than any government-sponsored operation.

 

The comedian was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Saturday, October 24, while returning from the birthday celebration of the wife of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The incident generated public reactions, including allegations of possible government involvement in the assault.

 

However, Okpebholo rejected the allegations, insisting that he was in Kaduna State when reports of the attack surfaced on social media.

 

“I heard the incident occurred at 1 a.m. I was in Kaduna State when I saw the incident on social media, and they attributed it to the government. This is fake news,” the governor said.

 

He explained that his administration’s intelligence gathering linked the incident to cult-related activities, although he did not publicly disclose specific evidence supporting that assessment.

 

The governor also questioned the circumstances surrounding the attack, particularly the comedian’s reported inability to identify his assailants.

 

According to Okpebholo, MC Porkupyne told him that the attackers wore masks and that he could not recognise them, although he reportedly put their number at eight.

 

The governor questioned how the comedian could count the number of people involved but remain unable to identify them, using the account to challenge allegations connecting the state government to the incident.

 

Okpebholo urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming information circulated on social media, stressing the importance of relying on credible media reports and verified information.

 

Police Launch Investigation

 

The governor’s comments came after the Edo State Police Command announced an investigation into the reported assault.

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, the police said Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

 

The police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command condemned violence, assault and unlawful attacks, assuring residents that the matter would be treated seriously.

 

The command also appealed to anyone with useful information about the incident to assist investigators, while urging residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.

 

As of the reports cited, the police investigation was ongoing, and no publicly confirmed findings had established the identities of the attackers or independently verified the governor’s claim of a cult-related motive.

 

The incident has renewed attention on the safety of residents and the need for security agencies to establish the facts surrounding violent attacks in Edo State.

 

The outcome of the police investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances of the assault and whether those responsible can be identified and brought to justice.

 

 

Okpebholo Links Attack on MC Porkupyne to Cult Activities, Denies Govt Involvement

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Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

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Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband
Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib
Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued an 18-year-old woman from an angry mob that allegedly attempted to lynch her after she reportedly stabbed her husband during a domestic dispute over money and personal belongings.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Lirr Bajar community, Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The police identified the suspect as Fatima Dalha, 18, while her husband is a 30-year-old man whose name was not disclosed.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the dispute began when Dalha demanded the return of her money, wrappers and mobile phone, which she alleged were in her husband’s possession.

The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the woman allegedly picked up a nearby knife and stabbed her husband in the stomach, leaving him bleeding.

The incident attracted residents, some of whom allegedly threatened to lynch the woman in retaliation for the attack.

However, officers attached to the Dass Divisional Police Headquarters arrived at the scene, rescued her from the crowd and took her into custody.

The injured husband was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. Police said the knife allegedly used in the incident had been recovered, while the suspect was detained for further investigation.

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Habib disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a detailed investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed concern over domestic violence among young couples and urged spouses to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue, family intervention and other lawful means.

The commissioner also warned residents against jungle justice, stressing that suspects must be allowed to face the legal process rather than being subjected to mob violence.

The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into physical violence, as well as the risks posed when members of the public attempt to take the law into their own hands.

While the woman remains a suspect in the alleged stabbing, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation are subject to police investigation. The allegations have not been established in court.

 

Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

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