By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to appear before the court.

Justice U.P. Kekemeke issued the warrant on Thursday, ruling that the former minister had provided no valid justification for his absence from the proceedings.

The warrant stems from a one-count charge filed against Turaki by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The charge alleges that Turaki provided false information to the police in a petition dated October 2022.

The Kano Youth Concern Initiative has called on ADC chieftain Ibrahim Ali Amin Little to declare his intention to contest for the Kano State governorship under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The group made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Junaid Binoni, and its Secretary, Saidu Muhammad Ahmad.

According to Binoni, it is high time the ADC chieftain stepped forward to contest for the governorship in order to salvage Kano from the grip of entrenched political godfathers who, in their view, have hindered the state’s progress.

“It is only an independent-minded leader with courage and vision that can drive rapid economic development in Kano, widely regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre,” Binoni stated.

He further emphasized that Little’s strong background in the private sector sets him apart from previous governors of the state, many of whom were largely career civil servants with limited exposure to private enterprise and, in some cases, products of political godfatherism.

“Ibrahim Ali Amin Little possesses the administrative competence, business acumen, and strategic thinking required to reposition Kano for sustainable growth. His experience in the private sector gives him a practical understanding of job creation, investment attraction, and economic diversification—qualities that are critical for a modern and thriving Kano State,” he added.

The group also noted that Little’s longstanding interest in serving the state, dating back over a decade, reflects a deep sense of patriotism, resilience, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“His passion and consistent efforts toward the governorship over the years demonstrate that his ambition is driven not by personal gain, but by a genuine desire to uphold the integrity and advance the interests of the people of Kano,” the statement read.

They expressed confidence that under Little’s leadership, Kano could witness significant transformation in key sectors such as commerce, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and industrial development, ultimately restoring the state’s status as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.

The group concluded by urging him to heed the call of the youth and formally declare his intention, stressing that they would not hesitate to explore all legitimate means to compel him to do so if he fails to respond.

“We strongly believe that the future of Kano depends on visionary leadership, and Ibrahim Ali Amin Little has what it takes to lead the state to greater heights,” Binoni said.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it describes as a pattern of actions by Mohammed Umar Bago that threaten press freedom, warning that such conduct undermines journalists’ ability to perform their constitutional duties within Niger State. The appeal was made in a formal statement issued by the institute’s Nigerian chapter, highlighting growing concerns about the safety and independence of the media.

In the statement jointly signed by Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi, Deputy President and Legal Adviser respectively, IPI Nigeria said recent actions linked to the Niger State governor and his aides have directly infringed on press freedom. The organisation cited the assault on a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as the latest example of hostility toward journalists, stressing that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and troubling.

The journalist at the centre of the latest controversy, Musa Mikail, was reportedly attacked while covering a Ramadan Iftar event held at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida on March 13, 2026. According to accounts, private security personnel allegedly acting on the directive of Shehu Abdullahi Maikano, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Bago, forced the reporter out of the venue after physically assaulting him.

Recounting the incident, Mikail said he and his cameraman were quietly performing their duties when confronted. He explained that despite clarifying they were not obstructing proceedings, the governor’s CSO allegedly pushed him, after which other security operatives joined in the assault and ejected him from the event. The account has since raised concerns among media stakeholders about the safety of journalists covering public functions in the state.

IPI Nigeria described the attack as part of a “disturbing trend” of violations against journalists, accusing Governor Bago’s administration of fostering an environment hostile to press freedom. The organisation noted that such repeated incidents not only intimidate reporters but also erode democratic accountability by restricting the free flow of information to the public.

The institute also pointed to earlier cases, including the detention of Ahmed Isah Sakpe, a reporter with Prestige FM in Minna, who was summoned by the police over alleged defamation of a government protocol officer. It further referenced the closure of Badeggi FM Radio in November 2025 on grounds that its broadcasts were deemed critical of the state government, describing the action as arbitrary and disproportionate.

Other incidents highlighted include the arrest of freelance journalist Ibrahim Ndamitso in May 2025 after he questioned the governor about insecurity, and the interrogation of journalist Yakubu Mustapha Bina by the State Security Service following a report about the governor’s convoy. IPI Nigeria also recalled the 2023 assault on Voice of America correspondent Mustapha Batsari by a senior state official within Government House, Minna.

According to IPI Nigeria, the cumulative effect of these incidents led to Governor Bago’s inclusion in its “Book of Infamy,” a publication that documents individuals and institutions accused of undermining press freedom. The list, unveiled in December 2025, underscores what the institute describes as persistent attempts by certain public officials to silence critical voices and suppress freedom of expression.

Reacting specifically to the assault on the NTA reporter, the organisation called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to launch an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible, particularly the governor’s CSO, are held accountable. It stressed that failure to act decisively could embolden further attacks on journalists across the country.

IPI Nigeria reiterated that safeguarding press freedom is essential to democracy, urging federal authorities to take a firm stance against any abuse of power that targets the media. The organisation maintained that journalists must be allowed to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence, warning that continued violations could damage Nigeria’s democratic credentials and global reputation.