The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, an Islamic organisation headed by the Sultan of Sokoto as its President-General, has dismissed reports that Muslim groups are planning to establish a Hisbah organisation in Plateau State.
The clarification came shortly after the Plateau State Government warned that no group should attempt to establish Hisbah in the state, particularly in Jos North Local Government Area.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Tuesday, the Secretary of the Plateau State chapter of JNI, Dr Salim Musa Umar, said no Islamic organisation in the state had announced plans to establish Hisbah in Jos North.
“There is nothing like that. It has never been discussed and it is not part of what is being considered,” Umar said.
According to him, the controversy was triggered by social media posts in which individuals allegedly used artificial intelligence-generated images to create the impression that a Hisbah organisation had already been established in Jos North.
Umar said the images and claims subsequently circulated widely, generating reactions and concerns among residents.
He further argued that an organisation such as Hisbah could not simply be established without the necessary legal framework.
“Hisbah cannot be established without a law from the State House of Assembly, and the government has not done that. Therefore, people cannot simply come out and claim that they have established Hisbah,” he said.
The JNI official urged the Plateau State Government to thoroughly investigate reports involving religious groups before reacting, particularly where such reports could heighten tension between communities.
He also appealed to social media users to stop creating or circulating materials capable of causing misunderstanding and threatening peaceful coexistence in the state.
The development follows the Plateau State Government’s warning against any attempt to introduce or establish Hisbah in the state, amid growing debate over the alleged activities of the group in Jos North.
Sultan-Backed JNI Says No Plans To Establish Hisbah In Plateau
Obi Questions Tinubu’s Past, Demands Transparency Over Educational Records
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the moves by a sitting President to prevent the release of records concerning his past, particularly documents relating to his educational credentials.
In a tweet, the NDC presidential candidate said he was deeply saddened by the direction in which Nigeria was heading, describing it as “profoundly embarrassing” that a sitting President would ask a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly where such records relate to matters of legitimate public interest.
Obi argued that leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s past rather than shield uncomfortable aspects of it from legitimate scrutiny.
“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” he said.
According to him, true authority is strengthened, rather than diminished, when leaders accept responsibility instead of attempting to conceal controversial aspects of their past.
He said the matter becomes even more significant when it concerns educational credentials, stressing that questions surrounding foundational education, including primary and secondary schooling, should not remain unresolved or be addressed principally through legal proceedings.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern about the example such conduct could set for the country’s younger generation, particularly the more than 30 million Nigerians currently in school.
He said the highest office in the land should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
Obi noted that an imperfect past was part of the human condition, but maintained that what mattered was the willingness to confront it with humility and honesty, apologise where necessary, make amends and, when circumstances demand, place the interests of the nation above personal ambition.
He questioned when Nigeria’s political class would fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures.
“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” he asked.
Obi further observed that although the Presidency is an office held for only a season, the moral standards established by those who occupy it could influence generations.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, stating that he had never sought citizenship of another country, even when doing so became fashionable.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said.
Lionel Messi Retires From International Football
By Akinwale Kasali
Lionel Messi has drawn the curtain to his illustrious career with the Argentine National Team, the Albacelestie, as he announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after earning 207 caps.
The Eighth Time Ballon d’ Or Winner played his last match for Argentina in their 1-0 loss to Spain in the Final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America.
He made his debut for Argentina in 2005, and remained instrumental to the team as they went on to win the Copa America title twice, won the World Cup at Qatar 2022 and was a runner-up in 2014 and recently in 2026.
Announcing his decision to quit the national team in a statement, he said: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who deserve this opportunity.”
Messi ended his International career that lasted over two decades on Monday, scoring 124 goals in 203 games.
This is Messi’s second international retirement.
He announced the first in 2016 after losing three consecutive finals as captain, then reversed it and went on to win the World Cup six years later.
His club career continues. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs to 2028, and the Major League Soccer club signed Casemiro this summer to play alongside him.
His retirement also brings an end to an era in which Messi was the central figure of Argentine football, carrying the expectations of a football-mad nation while establishing himself as one of the most decorated players of all time.
Three Siblings Drown As Boat Capsizes In Yalwan Rugu-Rugu Community, Kano
By Akinwale Kasali
It was a sad weekend in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, as Three sisters drowned after their canoe capsized last Saturday, leaving their family and the Yalwan Rugu-Rugu community in grief.
The late sisters were identified as Murjanatu, Atikatu and Bilkisu, popularly known as Amira.
The tragedy occurred at about 2.00pm on Saturday when the canoe carrying the three girls capsized.
The incident plunged the community into mourning, with the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, Sa’adatu Salisu Soja, describing their deaths as a painful and devastating loss.
Mourning with the family and residents of the Community over the unfortunate incident, Salisu Soja, commiserated with the families of the deceased and the people of Yalwan Rugu-Rugu, praying for strength for those affected by the tragedy.
She said, “We share the pain of the bereaved family and pray that Almighty Allah forgives the deceased, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, and gives their loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss.”
She also prayed for divine protection against a recurrence of the tragedy.
Though the Kano State Fire Service is yet to issue an official report on the incident, but the
spokesperson for the agency, Saminu Abdullahi, stated on Monday that the Fire Service only became aware of the incident through media reports and the condolence message issued by the local government chairperson.
“We have not received the report officially. We only saw it in the news and in the condolence message released by the Chairperson of Tudun Wada,” Abdullahi said.
The latest tragedy has again highlighted the dangers confronting communities that depend on canoes for transportation around Tiga Dam, with previous boat accidents in Kano claiming several lives and underscoring the need for stronger water-safety measures and quicker emergency response.
Obiozor, USA’s Zion Ministry’s Administrator, Stoned to Death In Imo Over Branch Crisis
By Charles Igbo
The unbelievable happened in Awommama, Imo State, when what was planned as a solemn spiritual homecoming and gathering in Imo State became a scene of horror.
Mr Chinweike Obiozor, a younger relation of Professor George Obiozor, the late President General of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo Worldwide, was, literally, stoned to death.
Until his gruesome killing in his community, Mr Obiozor was the Administrator of Zion Ministry in Maryland/DC USA. His sad fate was connected to an administrative crisis within the U.S. branch of Zion Ministry which shockingly ended in a fatal clash in Awommama, Oru East Local Government Area.
Following the violent altercation, Mr Obiozor was confirmed dead on Sunday.
Sources said Mr. Obiozor died shortly after he took part in the 3-day grand closure of Zion Ministry’s 100-day fasting and prayer- crusade at Zion City, Ngor Okpala, which held from August 21 to August 23, 2026.
According to investigation, the fatal clash stemmed from a long-simmering unrest within the ministry’s North American leadership.
Before the pilgrimage to Nigeria, the branches of the Ministry were enmeshed in factional infighting.
Allegations of financial misappropriation, non-transparent governance, and contentious administrative appointments had divided the leadership and congregational members alike. There were claims of controversial appointments of branch administrators which were allegedly facilitated by key figures within the founder’s immediate family—to individuals with disputed qualifications and questionable backgrounds.
Sadly, efforts made by the congregation to have the Spiritual Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, to decisively intervene and resolve the alleged administrative improprieties before the crusade, allegedly, yielded minimal success, and so, tensions were unresolved as key officials traveled to Nigeria for the August event.
After the conclusion of the three-day crusade at Ngor Okpala, both feuding officials who hail from Awommama in Imo State, retired to their hometown.
But accounts by eyewitnesses said that Dr. Loveline Nzeakor Bealose, a Maryland US-based Nurse Practitioner who serves as the Washington D.C. Administrator for Zion Ministry, confronted Mr. Obiozor in Awommama.
Bealose was said to have been accompanied by a group of women, and directly challenged Mr. Obiozor over the lingering operational and financial mismanagement in the U.S. operations.
But the encounter quickly deteriorated.
From a verbal disagreement, it gradually drifted into a physical altercation.
Allegedly, during the violent altercation, Dr. Bealose reportedly hit Mr. Obiozor on the head with a heavy stone which inflicted on Mr. Obiozor, large head injuries. Tragically, he gave in to his wounds before medical intervention could save him.
The tragic and gruesome death of Mr. Obiozor has shaken the Awommama community, the diaspora membership of Zion Ministry, and the broader socio-cultural leadership in the State given that he hailed from a prominent lineage of the deceased family.
Community leaders and legal representatives are on the neck of the Imo State Police Command for a transparent homicide investigation into the circumstances which led to Mr. Obiozor’s death. They want all persons, no matter how remotely involved in the assault to be brought to justice.
Borno Commissioner Threatens Hell For Those Who Won’t Vote APC …Amnesty Int’l Reacts
By Adesina Soyooye
A shocked Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded an investigation by Nigerian authorities of the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.
He threatened hell for members of opposition parties if they fail to vote APC in the upcoming 2027 General Elections.
The Commissioner, in a viral video threatened political opponents with fire and brimstone if they dare vote against the APC.
But the rights group on Sunday, in a statement, demanded a full investigation and punishment in reaction to the distasteful contents of the video.
In the video, Commissioner Buba, while addressing the crowd at a campaign inauguration organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, said:
“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers.
“We are now playing politics. Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger. Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger. The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”
The statements, noted Amnesty International, is reckless and a flagrant violation of Nigerian law. It said the commissioner’s comments represent a serious threat to the rights of citizens to make free political choices.
“His outrageous outburst that ‘those who refuse to obey us (vote their party) will be flogged’ is unlawful. In democracy people are not punished for their political choices,” it said in its statement.
The body warned that politicians who use such language ahead of the 2027 elections are creatinga toxic climate of fear, and called on political parties and public officials to publicly condemn any incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
“The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring such incidents are investigated. Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy.”
Neither Buba nor the Borno State Government has reacted to to the provocative statement.
Recall that a few days ago, the Chairman of Kuje Local Government Area, Danjuma Shekwolo, publicly told residents to either vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the council area.
He apologised and withdrew his statement after it was greeted with outrage.
ADC Insists Subsidy Removal has Inflicted Hardship On Nigerians
By Ayodele Oni
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Director-General of the President’s re-election campaign, to explain what Nigerians have gained from the trillions of naira generated by fuel subsidy removal before dismissing promises of relief as a “lie.”
Spokesman of the party, Bhaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Monday, Stated that Yari’s comments were particularly significant because he is not speaking merely as an APC senator, but as the man charged with persuading Nigerians to give the president another four years.
“If the message of the President’s re-election campaign is that Nigerians must accept today’s hardship as permanent and anyone promising relief is a liar, then Nigerians must be seriously concerned,” the ADC said.
According to figures attributed to the Minister of Finance, petrol subsidy removal and foreign-exchange reforms generated about N15.8 trillion in additional resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
“Of this, about N5.4 trillion went to the Federal Government, N5.4 trillion to states and N3.9 trillion to local governments.
“States alone reportedly received N47.25 trillion in FAAC allocations between 2023 and 2025, rising from N10.09 trillion in 2023 to N15.26 trillion in 2024 and N21.90 trillion in 2025.
“Monthly FAAC distributions have since crossed N2 trillion, compared with less than N1 trillion around the period before subsidy removal. Yet, while government revenues soared, Nigerians became poorer.
“Petrol moved from about N185 per litre in May 2023 to N1,300+ in many places by August 2025, while food inflation crossed 40 per cent at points during the period.
“Transport costs surged, and the promised CNG mass-transit alternative has yet to reach Nigerians at the scale required.
“The contradiction is impossible to ignore. Government is counting trillions while Nigerian families are counting the meals they can afford.
“If governments are receiving substantially more money, why are Nigerians getting substantially less food to eat?”
“Before asking Nigerians for four more years, Senator Yari and the APC must answer one question: after N15.8 trillion in additional resources, record FAAC allocations and three years of unprecedented sacrifice, are Nigerians better off?
The party maintained that the situation was even more troubling because increased revenues appeared to have led only to increased government borrowing, saying about 20 states reportedly borrowed N458 billion in 2025 despite the surge in FAAC receipts.
“After N47.25 trillion to states in three years, Nigerians have a right to ask: where are the results? If states received an additional N5.4 trillion from the reforms, let the government publish the projects.
“Show Nigerians the schools, hospitals, roads, and mass-transit systems that their sacrifice paid for.”
The ADC emphasized that it finds it “disgraceful” that the only thing that the APC government has to show for trillions of naira is payment of workers’ salaries that can no longer guarantee food on the table.
“Meanwhile, budgets remain unimplemented, local contractors remain unpaid, major public roads remain terrible, and Nigeria became one of the most dangerous places to live in, and home to the highest number of poor people on earth.
“The big lie is in government telling Nigerians that its reforms are working while driving the country towards certain destruction.”
The party then challenged the President’s campaign to explain why it has taken the APC government more than three years and a few months to elections to realise the need to make plans for reducing the cost of transportation.
“If Senator Yari says subsidy can never return, then he must tell Nigerians what the President’s campaign is offering instead.
“What is the plan to dramatically reduce petrol prices and bring down food and transportation costs before 2027? ‘Endure’ is not an economic policy,”
The ADC stressed that it was not advocating a return to the corruption and opacity associated with the old subsidy regime.
The party explains that its alternative would prioritise domestic refining with targeted and transparent support aimed at lowering the price of fuel and reducing the cost of living for Nigerians.
“The 2027 election will not be about who shouted ‘liar’ the loudest. It will be about who can put food on Nigerians’ tables, create jobs, provide security, and reduce the cost of living. Nigerians have sacrificed enough. They need a break.”
Sowore’s Trial Suspension Will Ensure Free, Fair Election – NANS
By Ayodele Oni
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said the Department of State Services, (DSS) acted within the law by suspending the prosecution of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, saying it will help ensure a free and fair 2027 presidential election.
NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this during a press briefing on the suspension of Sowore’s prosecution, describing the decision as a demonstration of fairness, respect for the rule of law and commitment to a level playing field for all presidential candidates.
According to him, continuing the prosecution during the election campaign could distract Sowore and create an actual or perceived disadvantage for the AAC candidate.
NANS, in its position, described the suspension as a confidence-building measure capable of strengthening the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
The association said all presidential candidates should be allowed to compete under substantially equal conditions, while state institutions should remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
It further commended the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as commitment to due process, institutional restraint and the rule of law.
The students’ body also praised the DSS for its counter-terrorism operations and efforts to investigate and sanction personnel who violate established procedures or rules of engagement.
“The DSS does not have the power to tell the judiciary how to do their work. The DSS cannot tell the judiciary that this is how you should do the prosecution.
“They have taken the case to court. They are prosecutors. They are not the judiciary that will determine how the process should be,” Akinteye said.
He was reacting to suggestions that the DSS should have fast-tracked the prosecution and concluded the case before the election.
Akinteye said fast-tracking the trial could still result in the proceedings extending into the election period, adding that the decision to suspend the prosecution would allow Sowore to concentrate on his campaign without unnecessary distraction.
“Not to disturb Sowore or make him be distracted in the process of the election, the DSS has done what is right according to international practice by suspending the trial until after the presidential election.”
The NANS President maintained that the suspension did not mean Sowore had been placed above the law or that the pending case had been abandoned.
He said the prosecution could continue after the election in accordance with due process and applicable laws.
On calls for the Federal Government to withdraw the charges against Sowore completely, Akinteye said the decision remained with the government.
He noted that the Federal Government has several cases before the courts and would have to determine whether to continue or discontinue the case against the AAC presidential candidate.
“It is in the interest of the Federal Government to either prosecute or not to prosecute. So when it is their time to make the decision, it is there for them,” he said.
NANS said the fight against insecurity could be pursued decisively through intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation while respecting the rule of law.
The association said the suspension of Sowore’s prosecution would help ensure that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election reflects the free will of Nigerians rather than circumstances capable of creating an uneven playing field.
It therefore urged stakeholders to support an electoral environment where candidates can campaign freely and citizens can make their choices without fear, favour or undue institutional influence.
Outrage In Anambra As Aiza Nwosu, Popular Comedian, Is Shot Dead
By Adesina Soyooye
Outrage, currently, is the order of the day in Anambra State over the inexplicable killing of a media personality and comedian, Isaac Nwosu.
Papular as Aiza Nwosu, he was shot dead by gunmen in Awka, Anambra State capital on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Eyewitnesses say Nwosu was attacked on SM Okeke Street while ge was driving his loud soeaker-fitted Hilux truck. The speculation is that his assailants allegedly monitored his movements, and may have trailed him from his residence. They rode, according to eyewitnesses, in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows.
His truck veered into a ditch as he lost control on being shot. He was said to have died inside the vehicle while music continued to play from the sound system in his truck.
Nwosu was popular in Awka, and was, especially, known for driving around the city with his sound truck to make public announcements such as obituaries and other community messages.
Reports indicate he was not the only person shot dead in Awka on Sunday.
Three other people were, allegedly, killed and several others injured in other parts of the city.
The dead include two men who were reportedly shot dead in the Amaenyi area.
At the time of filing this report, there has been no statement from the Police.
“For Misleading His Congregation, If There’s Heaven, Kumuyi Will Not Enter It” – Anyabuike Tackles Deeper Life Founder
By Charles Igbo
“Many of his Church members, at the time, sold or destroyed their televisions and gold jewellery because Kumiyi said it would take them to hell fire. Some rejected job opportunities and businesses because they believed such activities could affect their chances of making Heaven. Today, Pastor Kumuyi flies round in first class jets and cruises the streets enjoying the life he denied his Church members”
An angry Nigerian who identified himself in a Facebook post as Charles Kay Anyabuike has descended on Pastor William Kumuyi, over the Pastor’s preaching in the 1980s. Pastor Kumuyi is the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
According to Anyabuike, Pastor Kumuyi, at the time, misled his congregation by his past teachings on wealth, luxury and worldly possessions.
Looking at Kumuyi these days, Anyabuike, in a Facebook post, wondered whether Kumuyi would make heaven based on the teachings of the Pastor, previously, to his Church members.
An angry Anyabuike: “If there’s a heaven, Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Church will not enter it. And I say it with my full chest and understanding,”
According to him, not a few Deeper Life members in the 1980s and 1990s, decided to live in poverty because they followed Pastor Kumuyi’s teachings which, he said, discouraged enjoyment of material possessions.
Anyabuike: “Many of his Church members at that time sold or destroyed their televisions and gold jewelry because Kumuyi said it would take them to hell fire.”
More, he alleged, some members turned their backs to job opportunities and businesses because they thought, as taught by Pastor Kumuyi, that such activities could deny them Heaven.
He then compared Kumuyi’s earlier teachings with, according to him, the Cleric’s lifestyle of enjoyment today.
He lashed out: “Today, Pastor Kumuyi flies round the world in first class jets and cruises the streets in limousines enjoying the life he denied his church members. How can he enter heaven?”
Kumuyi, he said, should be judged by the same standards he allegedly taught his followers.
He said: “Kumuyi will not enter Heaven because God will judge him by what he teaches and the standard he set for his church members.”
Anyabuike’s criticism of Kumuyi, was triggered the meeting between Kumuyi and Bishop David Oyedepo at the Global Crusade in Ota, Ogun State.
Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winners Chapel. He attended the crusade on August 29, 2026 and shared the platform with Kumuyi where he delivered a message on salvation.
Oyedepo heaped praises on Kumuyi, called him a “sage” especially, for the impact of his ministry over the years.
Kumuyi welcomed Oyedepo as his “dear friend and fellow servant of God.”
Oyedepo is regarded as one of the richest Clerics in Nigeria and Africa.