Two weeks after the brutal killing of NSCDC volunteer, Abdurrauf Ali Ahmad Sharifai, on New Year’s Day, a wave of public outrage continues to sweep across Kano as the investigation unfolds.

The shocking and ruthless murder, which took place along the long Zoo Road/Court Road while Sharifai was on official duty, has sparked widespread calls for justice, with many residents demanding swift action from the authorities.

Sharifai, who was performing his constitutional duties to protect the public, was viciously stabbed by a group of thugs, an act that has left the community reeling.

His tragic death has not only shaken the NSCDC but also stirred deep anger among the people of Kano, who are now rallying for justice for the slain volunteer.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) moved quickly to arrest four suspects in connection with the murder. These individuals were found in possession of dangerous weapons, and they were promptly handed over to the police.

In a further development, the police made two additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to six.

However, five more individuals linked to the crime have been identified by the NSCDC, but they remain at large.

Despite the severity of the crime, the public’s anger has been compounded by the reported attempts of the arrested suspects’ families to seek bail.

Many residents view these efforts as an attempt to undermine the gravity of the crime, and this has sparked an outcry for justice.

“The fact that they are trying to get bail for these suspects, who brutally murdered a law enforcement volunteer, is an insult to the family of the deceased and to the people of Kano,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “We cannot allow this to happen. We demand justice for Abdurrauf.”

The silence from the police regarding these recent developments has only fueled the growing frustration.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a $9 million contract with a Washington-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, to influence the U.S. government’s perception of Nigeria’s efforts to protect its Christian communities.

The agreement, signed since last year is facilitated by the Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, first reported by TheCable, outline the contract’s scope and financial terms.

Under the deal, DCI Group is tasked with assisting the Nigerian government in “communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S. support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.”

The contract stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, totaling $9 million over a 12-month period. It commenced with an initial six-month term ending June 30, 2026, and includes a clause for automatic renewal for another six months. Records show Nigeria made an upfront payment of $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first half of the contract. A second installment is due upon completion of the initial term.

The agreement allows either party to terminate “for any reason without penalty” by providing 60 days’ written notice.

This lobbying initiative follows heightened diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington over allegations of religious persecution.

In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing violence against Christians. Nigerian officials have consistently refuted these claims, attributing the nation’s violence to terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious targeting.

Pressure escalated in November when Trump suggested the U.S. might intervene more directly, warning of potential military action to protect Christians. The situation intensified on Christmas Day, when the U.S. military conducted airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State’s Bauni Forest a move signaling deeper U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.

In response to the U.S. designation, the Nigerian government had previously committed to engaging Washington “through diplomatic and legal channels” to address what it describes as misconceptions regarding the safety of Christian communities.

Yakubu Mohammed, a co-founder of Newswatch magazine and its former deputy chief executive officer, has died at the age of 75.

He was reported to have been battling an undisclosed ailment before his death. As of press time, an official statement from his family was still awaited.

His death comes barely two months after the passing of his long-time colleague and fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died after a prolonged illness on November 17, 2025.

Vanguard