“So, because I said N1 million and SaharaReporters is calling for my arrest, I’m now increasing it by another N1 million; it is now N2 million.”
Northern Nigerian Islamic Cleric Increases N1Million Bounty On Pastor’s Head To N2Million, Affirms Call For His Beheading
A Northern Nigeria-based Islamic cleric has escalated tensions by increasing a controversial bounty from N1 million to N2 million on the head of an unnamed individual described as a Christian cleric, while openly daring operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest or kill him over his inciting statements.
In a viral video recorded in Hausa and widely circulated on social media, the cleric reacted angrily to reports, particularly by SaharaReporters, following public calls for his arrest after he declared that anyone who insults Prophet Muhammad should be beheaded.
Rather than retract his statement, the cleric doubled down, questioning why security agencies had not yet arrested him and insisting that he had committed no crime.
“Finally, regarding a certain statement or rather, some videos I’ve been seeing on social media. Some people are spreading rumours that I have been arrested. First of all, I want to ask: for what exactly? What did I do to deserve arrest? What is my offence?” he said.
He continued, defending his earlier comments: “Is it because someone insulted the Prophet, and I came out to say that whoever insults the Prophet should be beheaded, is that my crime? That is the question I am asking.”
The cleric accused media organisations, particularly those based in Southern Nigeria, of orchestrating calls for his arrest, singling out SaharaReporters and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
“Secondly, there are newspapers, some from Southern Nigeria, that I have seen publishing calls for my arrest. They are urging the DSS to arrest me, especially SaharaReporters,” he said.
“The owner of SaharaReporters is already well known for insulting Islam. That is clear. I have personally seen it.”
However, the cleric announced an increase in the bounty placed on the alleged offender.
“This same person from SaharaReporters is among those leading the campaign against me because I said a bounty should be placed on the pastor. I announced N1 million, and he is among those spreading the call for my arrest because of that,” the Islamic cleric said.
“So, because I said N1 million and SaharaReporters is calling for my arrest, I’m now increasing it by another N1 million; it is now N2 million.”
The cleric stated that he does not want to be detained if arrested but would rather be killed.
“In fact, if I am arrested, what I want is not imprisonment, I want to be shot. I do not want to be jailed; I want to be killed,” he said.
He framed any potential arrest as evidence of what he described as systemic disrespect toward Islam and the Prophet, alleging double standards in how authorities respond to speech-related offences.
“If the security agencies respond to their calls, it will show the level of contempt they have for Muslims and for the Prophet,” he added.
The cleric also referenced global debates around free speech and religious sensitivities, alleging that there are ongoing international efforts, particularly from the United States, to abolish Sharia-related punishments in Nigeria.
Drawing a controversial comparison, he cited the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging that an individual in Nigeria was arrested for making comments about him, while insults against Prophet Muhammad are defended as freedom of speech.
“Someone insulted Benjamin Netanyahu, not even an insult, but merely wished him dead, and that person was arrested here in this country. So what does that show?” he asked.
He further claimed that thousands of people share his views but that he is being singled out because of his prominence.
“And I was not the only one; there are thousands of people who said that if they meet him, they will kill him. But because I am the one who has angered the unbelievers, they want to use me as an example of humiliation,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance, the cleric declared: “Alhamdulillah, I am pleased. If I am arrested because I said anyone who insults the Prophet should be punished and I placed N1 million bounty on his head, then I am announcing to the world that I have increased it to N2 million.”
He also took aim at U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of making disrespectful remarks about religious figures.
“Donald Trump came out and made statements comparing himself to Prophet Jesus. Yet I have not heard anyone among you respond to him,” he said.
“Trump said he came to defend Christians and their religion because they are being oppressed. But out of disrespect and lack of regard, he has now compared himself to Prophet Jesus (Isa Al-Masih) and even posted it on his page.”
The cleric reiterates his preference for death over detention if apprehended by security operatives.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian security agencies, including the DSS, have not issued an official response to the cleric’s statements or the growing calls for his arrest.
OPM Pastor Suspends Autistic Adopted Daughter’s Marriage Plans As Over 1,000 Suitors Apply
Chiemeka Chibuzor wedding is hereby suspended. More than a thousand applications. No more wedding Pending further directive from me HRM KING APOSTLE CHIBUZOR CHIBUZOR
"I Don't Want To Die’: UNIJOS Student Abducted Alongside Six Others Pleads For Help In Disturbing Video
John Arum, a University of Jos student abducted alongside six other passengers while travelling from Jos in Plateau State to Kaduna State, has appeared in a new video pleading for help from captivity.
The victims were reportedly intercepted along the highway by armed men and taken away during the journey, with earlier reports indicating that a ransom had been demanded for their release.
In the video, he is seen making a direct appeal to his family and relatives under visible distress, saying his condition in captivity is critical.
“Please help, family and relatives help. I have been kidnapped and I'm in a very critical condition here,” he pleaded. “I don't want to die. Please, help. Please, look for money by all means to secure my release.”
In newly released footage, one of the kidnappers is heard addressing the victim’s family, warning of dire consequences if ransom demands are not met.
“Your relatives should try and bring some money they are able to raise, and if they can't provide, we will do the needful (kill) because money is not only our problem,” he warns.
“When we ask for ransom and you can’t provide, we will kill you. You know we are in Zamfara right? Tell your family we kidnapped you in Kaduna and took you to Zamfara forest.”
The condition of the other six abducted passengers remains unknown, and it is not yet clear whether their families have established contact with the kidnappers or received separate ransom demands.
Arum, who earlier appeared in a previous video where he was tortured, is at the center of the attackers’ demands. On Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that the kidnappers had requested a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
In an earlier video obtained by SaharaReporters, Arum was shown being beaten by two of the assailants. They repeatedly flogged him with a large stick in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to inflict severe pain and instill fear.
Despite his pleas for mercy, the attackers continued the assault. At one point, they placed a heavy stone on his back, forced him to lie face-down, and pressed a rifle against his head while continuing the abuse.
“Please don’t kill me… I’m begging you,” he pleaded.
The brutality did not stop there. After several minutes of continuous torture, the bandits ordered him to appeal publicly for ransom, even as one of them kept beating him.
In the video, Arum, visibly weak and in distress, said: “We are on our way from Jos to Kaduna, and they kidnapped seven of us. Now they are demanding N30 million before they can release me. Please find the money and bring it.”
SaharaReporters gathered the video was recorded using Arum’s own mobile phone by the kidnappers and subsequently sent to his coursemates via a group chat, apparently to pressure his family, friends, and the public into raising the ransom.
The condition of the other six victims abducted alongside him remains unclear as of the time of filing this report.
A new video has been released by the kidnappers, where they asked John Arum, the kidnapped Unijos student to tell the viewers where he was captured and where he currently is.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Abuja on Thursday, April 16, 2026 issued a warrant of arrest against a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Faruoq and a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali.
Farouq and Alkali are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday before the court but failed to appear. Only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed was present in court.
The trio are to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a twenty-one count charge bordering on breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent award of contract and conversion of public funds of about $1,300,000( One Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars, and N746,574,303( Seven Hundred and Forty Six Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Four Naira, Three Hundred and Three Naira)
Count one of the charge reads: “That you Sadiya Umar Farouq, While being Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and Bashir Nura Alkali while being the permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, between 8 May 2021 and 22 September 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property to wit, an aggregate sum of $1,300,000.00(One Million, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars), committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you fraudulently converted the said sum to your personal benefit and which sum was meant to be refunded to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development by Visual ICT Limited, being excess funds paid by the Ministry under National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) for the validation of Rapid Response Register beneficiaries and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code and Punishable under the same Section.”
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that the charge had been filed since December 15, 2025, but the first and second defendants could not be served.
“We could not arraign them on 15 December, because we could not produce them but their lawyers in court promised that they would produce the defendants but we didn’t see them until your lordship made an order for the state service. The defendants have now been served, my lord, only the third defendant has reported to the Commission when his surety was contacted. The third defendant’s surety is also in court", he said.
Rotimi further informed the court the first defendant wrote to the Commission that she was going for a medical check-up in Saudi Arabia in 2024 and her passport was released to her for the medical check-up.
“My lord, since that passport was released to her, she has not returned the passport to the Commission . We do not have the medical report in Saudi Arabia till date. Only this morning, my friend served me with an affidavit of fact, the learned senior counsel for the first defendant, wherein the deponent claimed that the first defendant took ill, my lord, all the medical reports which my friend attached to the affidavit of facts were issued after the charge had been filed. No medical report was issued or shown to us for the approved journey and the release of her passport”, he said
Counsel to the first defendant, Abdul Ibrahim, SAN, informed the court that the reason for her absence was ill health. He also prayed the court to accept an affidavit of fact he sought to tender, but the court rejected the application.
Massive Ransom Haul: Bandits Count Their Millions in Naira
A massive ransom paid to bandits... This is the largest ransom payment i have ever seen online, if these terrorists are getting such massive illegal money, that truce will never work.... Money experts, what's the estimate of the money in the video, ₦200 million?
A massive ransom paid to bandits... This is the largest ransom payment i have ever seen online, if these terrorists are getting such massive illegal money, that truce will never work.... Money experts, what's the estimate of the money in the video, ₦200 million? pic.twitter.com/h9Dl61drzW
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is currently reviewing a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to limited aspects of its information systems.
The Commission promptly activated its response protocols and is working with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), relevant government agencies and partners to assess the scope and impact.
Appropriate containment measures have been implemented, and additional safeguards are in place.
While the review is ongoing, stakeholders are advised to monitor their records on the CAC portal, update login credentials, and remain cautious of unsolicited communications.
CAC remains committed to the security and integrity of Nigeria's corporate registry and will provide updates as necessary.
Temi Otedola: “Why Can’t Mr Eazi Just Shout at Me Instead of Sending Emails?”
“I don’t like when Mr Eazi is angry with me… he won’t talk to me for days and when I ask, he says everything is fine then he’ll go to another room and send me a full email of everything he’s angry about… I don’t know why he can’t just shout at me instead ”
A woman from Kampala, Uganda, describes Nigeria as a home for all Africans after immigration officials helped her process faulty documents and find lodging upon arrival two years ago instead of deporting her.
She stresses that Africans feel immediately welcomed in Nigeria without questions about their origin or purpose, unlike experiences in other countries.
Nigeria is home for all all Africans, I really feel at home and they treat me as one of them” — Lady from Kampala says
Nigeria is home for all all Africans, I really feel at home and they treat me as one of them” — Lady from Kampala says pic.twitter.com/gFDws42mM3
The video from the Sahel region shows jihadist militants on motorcycles parading captured Malian soldiers in camouflage, with the men appearing distressed as their faces are filmed up close.
Job seekers in Lagos lured to a fake interview in Magodo, only to be robbed of their phones, money, and belongings.
“Nigerians, Let’s Be Careful Out There…Not All Job Offers Are Legit. We Went For a Job Interview In Magodo, Lagos Only To Be Robbed. They Took Our Phones, Money, And Everything We Had On Us.”~ Lady Cries Out 💔
“Nigerians, Let’s Be Careful Out There…Not All Job Offers Are Legit. We Went For a Job Interview In Magodo, Lagos Only To Be Robbed. They Took Our Phones, Money, And Everything We Had On Us.”~ Lady Cries Out 💔 pic.twitter.com/KgiKckt2mI
Late Brig.-Gen. Braimoh Tried To Escape Boko Haram Assault But Armoured Vehicle Failed To Start –Military Sources
Fresh details have emerged on the circumstances surrounding the death of Brigadier-General O.O. Braimoh, who was killed during a deadly attack by terrorists on a military base in Borno State.
Military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday alleged that the late commander attempted to escape the attack scene but was unable to do so due to a faulty armoured vehicle.
According to one of the sources, Braimoh tried to manoeuvre his way out of the base as the insurgents advanced.
“When the attack was ongoing, the Brigade Commander, O.O. Braimoh, was trying to manoeuvre his way out. He attempted to leave in a bulletproof vehicle,” the source said.
“However, the vehicle failed to start. That was how he was captured and eventually killed by the insurgents.”
The source further alleged widespread negligence and corruption among senior military officers, claiming that funds meant for vehicle maintenance and fuel are often diverted.
“The Federal Government has released funds for vehicle maintenance and fuel, but some commanders fail to utilise them properly,” the source said.
“If a vehicle develops a fault and junior officers report it, they are told to ‘manage it’. Even requests for fuel are often ignored.”
The source added that the armoured vehicle Braimoh tried to use during the attack had mechanical issues.
“They do not maintain the vehicles, and they also have a habit of not making fuel readily available for emergencies like this,” the source alleged.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that fighters from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram attacked a military formation in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on Wednesday night.
The insurgents reportedly stormed the base with heavy gunfire and explosives, killing an unspecified number of soldiers, including Braimoh, and leaving several others injured or missing.
A military source had said, “He was killed alongside the Brigade Imam and several officers. The attack lasted for hours. It is very unfortunate.”
ISWAP, a faction of Boko Haram, has intensified attacks in Nigeria’s North-East region in recent years, particularly around the Lake Chad axis, despite repeated claims by the Nigerian military that the insurgency has been largely contained.
The conflict, which has persisted for over a decade, has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Covenant University Announces Death of Student, Denies Negligence
OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR Prof. Timothy A. Anake
April 8, 2026
RE: THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF TOLUWASE JESUTUNMISE EMMANUEL
On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Covenant University community experienced the unfortunate loss of one of our precious students. Jesutunmise, a diligent and vibrant student, participated in a student’s football training session on campus.
He stepped out of the game to rest after he was said to have complained of leg pains and being tired. In a short while, his football mates observed that he was gasping for breath, and they responded swiftly by taking him to the Medical Centre’s emergency unit, which was directly opposite the playing field. However, he had stopped breathing by the time he arrived at the facility.
Though he was brought in dead, the doctors responded immediately by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, all efforts to resuscitate Jesutunmise were unsuccessful. Subsequently, he was certified clinically dead due to prior undisclosed heart condition.
We wish to confirm that there was no form of negligence in the response of the medical personnel or a shortage of any required equipment for the treatment.
The management of the University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, was at the Medical Centre from the time of the unfortunate event until the parents arrived, and remained with the family until he was laid to rest.
The entire Covenant University community extends our deepest condolences to the family for this loss. This is also a loss for the University and the entire society, which was deprived of the special gift that Jesutunmise represents.
We thank the general public for your concern and support at this time. Please keep the family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult period.
Thank you
Professor Timothy A. Anake Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University
Covenant University student, Tunmise, Dies over lack of Oxygen at clinic
Covenant University is trending because Tunmise a 500-level Building Tech student died at the medical center, because they didn’t have Oxygen so they switched to prayers till he died. Oyedepo too joined.
It’s the same way students died in 2017 and 2025.
Apparently, they were playing the Chancellor’s Cup, a match between Computer Engineering and Building Tech, Tunmise asked for an early sub as he was feeling weak and short of breath.
At half time, his situation got worse, they rushed him to the medical centre where the doctor on duty allegedly said Tunmise just needed air. But minutes later, said had stopped breathing.
Apparently, they didn’t use an oxygen or nebulizer. Because the ₦1.9M per session school housing over 11,000 students had nothing in their arsenal, except Jesus, so they switched to prayers.
According to multiple persons, Oyedepo arrived too and joined the prayers to revive him, it failed. It was about 3 hours later they informed Tunmise’s parents, while the school leaders were still contemplating proceeding with the football tournament.
Also, some are alleging that the school WiFi was turned off as a news control measure, and students are forbidden from purchasing data or browsing outside school’s ISP.
June 2025, a 200L engineering student Mordi Nwese Daniel was struck by lightning on the same football pitch, instead of taking him for treatment, they started praying for him, he died.
April 2017, a 500L Building Tech student hit his head in the pool, students managed to resuscitate him, rushed him to the school clinic, they didn’t have oxygen or defibrillator, they again opted for prayers, he died.
The school is yet to issue a statement on Tunmise’s death.
However, students speaking up are afraid they may be sanctioned or targeted.
Vehicles Trapped In Traffic Gridlock As Rainstorm Damages Kugbo Bus Terminal In Abuja
A heavy downpour on Tuesday caused a major traffic gridlock along the Nyanya–Keffi Expressway in Abuja, following severe damage to the Kugbo Bus Terminal.
The rainfall impacted parts of the newly built terminal, with sections of the roof affected and debris scattered onto the highway, obstructing vehicular movement.
The incident led to severe congestion along the busy corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory to neighbouring Nasarawa State, leaving many commuters stranded for hours.
Eyewitnesses said some vehicles were affected by the debris, while residents and road users made efforts to clear the obstruction to ease traffic flow.
The Abuja Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre operated by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) area is most impacted area on the highway.
As of the time of filing this report on Tuesday evening, traffic remained slow-moving, with motorists advised to exercise caution while approaching the axis.
Iranians are gathering on bridges and around power plants, forming human chains after threats of US and Israeli strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure.
JUST IN:
Iranians are gathering on bridges and around power plants, forming human chains after threats of US and Israeli strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/DrGFZlfP0E
Gunmen raided two villages of Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji in Zamfara state and abducted 150 people on Thursday. Most of those abducted were women and children.
Villagers described feeling helpless and on edge, constantly bracing themselves for attacks. This is Nigeria’s forgotten conflict.
The Nigerian authorities have repeatedly claimed to be tackling the situation, but the mounting death toll and spate of mass abductions tell a different story.
Bandits abduct over 150 people in Zamfara communities – Lawmaker
Terrorists, locally referred to as “bandits,” have abducted more than 150 residents from the villages of Kurfa Ɗanya and Kurfan Magaji in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The lawmaker representing the Gumi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Suleiman Abubakar, confirmed the incident to the BBC Hausa Service, stating that the attacks occurred late Thursday night.
The lawmaker representing the Gumi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Suleiman Abubakar, confirmed the incident to the BBC Hausa Service, stating that the attacks occurred late Thursday night.
Foreign Affairs › Re: Iran Strikes U.S Ships In Retaliation For It's Ship Seizure (Photos) by nlfpmod(mod): 1:01pm On Apr 20
