NEWS PLATFORM

By: Victor Kwambuge  In just over a year, the people of Adamawa State will again exercise their constitutional responsibility by electing a new leadership to determine the political and developmental direction of the state for the next four years. Unlike previous electoral cycles, the 2027 elections will not be driven primarily by party symbols or political familiarity. Rather, they will function as a referendum on governance standards, political learning, and the electorate’s capacity for informed choice. There is little dispute that the outgoing administration has recalibrated public expectations. Under the leadership of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governance has been characterised by visible outputs and relative policy coherence.  Investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and institutional reforms have shifted public discourse from abstract promises to concrete performance indicators. Consequently, voters are no longer mobilised by rhetoric alone; they now demand demo...

By Peter Cheman Koti In Nigeria’s most fragile spaces, peace rarely arrives with fanfare; it is often stitched together slowly, by people who know how to listen when a room is tense and how to speak when silence becomes dangerous.  Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa has built a reputation around that kind of work: a practitioner shaped by lived experience and driven by an insistence that communities can heal when dialogue, dignity, and justice are treated as essentials rather than ideals.  As Executive Director of the International Organization for Peacebuilding and Social Justice (PSJ), he presents himself first as a bridge-builder, committed to fostering coexistence across ethnic and religious lines and advancing systems where equity and fairness prevail.  His peacebuilding instincts are rooted in a life story that moved through Nigeria’s fault lines and taught him early that deprivation and exclusion are not just economic conditions, they are conflict accelerators. Profiles of hi...

Adamawa State Judicial Service Commission has announced the appointment of 20 judges for High Courts, Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal. News Platform  The newly appointed high court judges include, Aliyu Bakari, Ibrahim Ulenda Musa, Daniel John, Aminu Sa'adu, Christie Ngbale Tarfa, Abdulrazak Adamu Abdullahi and Mohammed Buba,  Others include Mohammed Hammajoda, Sadiq Giwa, Musa Mijinyawa Bala, Shehu Uthman Mustapha, Umar Isa, Yakubu Ahmadu and Japhet Ibrahim. Judges appointed for Sharia Court of Appeal include Ishaq Abdullahi Jada, and Abubakar Ishaku Likewise, those appointed for Customary Court of Appeal are Awamem Medan Fwa, Dimas Elshama Gwama, Deborah Umaru Peter and David Benjamin Pembi.

By Demola Bakare fsi Abuja-Nigeria. Nigeria’s crisis of accountability is not rooted in the absence of laws. It is rooted in the uneven courage to apply them. Allegations of forged academic or professional credentials in public office are not new. What is new—and deeply troubling—is the growing public perception that the consequences of such allegations depend less on the offence itself and more on the status of the accused. This perception strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and raises uncomfortable questions about selective justice, institutional integrity, and the credibility of public office. Under Nigerian law, falsification of credentials is neither trivial nor ambiguous. The Criminal Code Act (Sections 463–465) criminalises forgery and the uttering of false documents, prescribing penalties that include imprisonment. The Penal Code, applicable in the northern states, contains similar provisions. Beyond criminal statutes, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) se...

The Chief Magistrate Court I sitting in Yola, Adamawa State on Thursday, remanded a 19 years old Istifanus Bitrus, for allegedly attempting to kill 9 years old boy for money ritual. News Platform  Magistrate Kabiru Musa, ordered the remand of the Istifanus who hails from Garkida community in Gombi LGA, following his arraignment before the court. The presiding judge remanded the defendant and adjourned the case to the 18th February, 2026 to await legal advice from DPP Ministry of Justice Adamawa State. Istifanus allegedly took his victim known as Friday Musa, to the river side and pushed him into the said river with an intention of making sacrifice with him on the 31st January, 2025. The defendant, who was arraigned for alleged criminal charm and attempt to commit culpable homicide, was said to have been ordered to do so by his spiritual father. The offences according to the First Information Report tendered by ASP Zakka Musa contravene sections 188 and 201 of the penal code law Ada...

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed as false a report claiming that he is holding a closed-door meeting with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his Abuja residence. The claim was circulated on X (formerly Twitter) by a number of social media handles such as “June 12 Movement” and “ADC Vanguard” alongside a resurrected old video clip showing Fayemi greeting Senator Kwankwaso at his residence. In a statement issued by the Fayemi Media Office on Wednesday, Fayemi described the report as a blatant lie that must have surprised Senator Kwankwanso equally and urged the public to disregard it.  According to the statement, ‘’Dr Fayemi has only met Senator Kwankwaso once in the last one year, and that occasion was at the public book launch of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN). ‘’At no time has Dr Fayemi held, or is he holding, any clo...

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Muhammad Said Musa, a former official of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), for making false statements through the use of forged academic and service certificates. The conviction was handed down by Hon. Justice B. Mandy Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting at Court 55, Asokoro, Abuja, following a one-count amended charge pursuant to a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendant. The court found that Musa fraudulently obtained and presented a forged Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree certificate in Political Science, purportedly issued by the University of Maiduguri, as well as a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Certificate of National Service, which he used to secure employment with the NIPC. The offence came to light after the ICPC received a request from the Executive Secretary of the NIPC for a Staff Verificati...

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 40 years old Abubakar Sadiq, for allegedly killing his elder brother, Alh. Sadiq Kawu Boga. The arrest according to the spokesman of the commission, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje followed credible intelligence received by the  operatives of the command attached to Gombi Divisional Police headquarters    He said that the operation was carried out in collaboration with profssional hunters who swung into action and luckily arrested the suspect of Boga Village, Gombi LGA. He explained that the suspect was apprehended in connection to the killing of his elder brother Alh. Sadiq Kawu Boga on the 20st January, 2026, saying that the during interrogation, the suspect confessed  committing the crime, along wìth five others. "Interestingly, he led the Police to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle used in committing the crime and twenty-four (24) rounds of live ammunitions. The suspect further mentioned two (2) of his accomplices incl...

The fact is that Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency at the National Assembly does not need a representative who only occupies the exalted seat, but a dedicated, knowledgeable and committed person who understands systems and can engage ministries and investors through lobby on behalf of his electorate. It needs somebody who respects community voices and has patience and maturity to turn challenges into opportunities for the overall benefit of his or her constituents. This simple truth reflects the reality of lack of quality representation for Yola South, Yola North and Girei constituency at the National Assembly. Representation today is no longer about presence alone; rather about performance, accessibility, influence, and measurable impact. It is not about sending somebody to National Assembly to serve as bench warmer who is capable of navigating institutions, building partnerships, and converting opportunities into concrete benefits for the people. It is based on th...

The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended 2 suspects for alleged kidnapping in Song LGA, Adamawa State. The police recovered locally fabricated revolver rifle, 2 handsets, charms, others from the suspects. This is contained in a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje. He said that the command's operatives attached to Song Divisional Police headquarters in collaboration with hunters acted on timely and credible information and conducted raid on a suspected criminal hideouts situated at a remote site of Balma village, Song LGA 24th January, 2026, the According to him, during the operation, two suspects, Shaibu Mohammadu, 30 years, and Ja’o Bawa, 31 years, of various addresses were arrested. He said that the suspects had  confessed to their involvement in a series of kidnapping activities within Song and its environs.  "Efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest other members of their syndicate who are presently at lar...

Yola High Court Number III in Adamawa State has convicted and sentenced a 39 years old man, Gambo Goni to death by hanging or lethal injection for armed robbery. News Platform  The court presided by Justice Kaynson S. Lawanson, convicted and sentenced the defendant to death on count 1 and 2 and discharged him on 3, 4 and 5. The judge handed down the sentence after the convict was arraigned before him for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery. He was charged for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery while armed with offensive weapons contrary to section 6(b) and punishable under section 1 (2) (a) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R.11 Laws of the Federation 2004. According to the prosecution, the convict, Gambo Goni and 4 others (now at large) on the 4th October, 2014, had while armed with weapons, stormed the premises of Alh. Lawan Suleiman, Alh. Musa B. Umaru, Munir M.G and Alhaji Ahmed Saibaru Shuaibu at Kofare in Yola South LGA and robbed them of their mon...

R-L: Hon. Misa Musa and Hon. Barr. Buba Mohammed Joda The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola Adamawa State has reserved judgement in petition filed against the Member representing Ganye constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Misa Musa. News Platform  Justice A. O. Ebong, Chairman of the tribunal reserved judgement following the adoption of final written addresses and said that the date will be communicated to all the parties. The petition was filed by the Candidate of the PDP, Hon. Buba Mohammed Joda and his party against the Hon. Misa Musa, APC and INEC, joined as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively. Adopting his final written address, Counsel to the 1st Respondent, Dr. Dayo Ashonibare, said that they had filed their addresses on the 8th December, 2025. Dr. Dayo informed the tribunal that the 1st Respondent had formulated 2 issues for determination, and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition. While adopting his final written address, Counsel to the 2nd Respo...

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola Adamawa State has reserved judgement in petition filed against the Member representing Ganye constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Misa Musa. News Platform  Justice A. O. Ebong, Chairman of the tribunal reserved judgement in the petition following the adoption of final written addresses and said that the date will be communicated to all the parties. The petition was filed by the Candidate of the PDP, Hon. Buba Mohammed Joda and his party against the Hon. Misa Musa, APC and INEC, joined as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively. Adopting his final written address, Counsel to the 1st Respondent, Dr. Dayo Ashonibare, said that they had filed their addresses on the 8th December, 2025. Dr. Dayo informed the tribunal that the 1st Respondent had formulated 2 issues for determination, and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition. While adopting his final written address, Counsel to the 2nd Respondent, Abubakar Ali, said that they ha...

By Peter Cheman Koti “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -  Winston Churchill Fifty-one is not a milestone; it is a vantage point. From here, the horizon is not simply what lies ahead, but also the grace with which one has journeyed thus far. Today, we celebrate Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, a man whose life threads together scholarship and service, conviction and compassion, vision and vigilance. Many people count birthdays. He counts impact, measured not in awards or applause, but in the lives quietly lifted, the systems strengthened, and the young minds emboldened to dream a size too big for their circumstances. It was Samuel Johnson who said, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him no good.”. Those who know Dr. Durkwa will tell you that his brilliance is not loud. It does not announce itself; it arrives where it is needed, in policy rooms that require clarity, in communities that need listening more than lecturing, in tea...

An elderly man identified as Bello Usman along side his son and one other were on Tuesday, arraigned before Yola High Court for alleged culpable homicide and mischief by fire. News Platform  Bello Usman, 50 and his biological son, Naziru Bello, 20 and Ahmed Chubado, 20, of Digno community, Daware District in Fufore LGA, allegedly beat their victim known as Dudu Usman with sticks to death as well as setting her house ablaze. The trio were arraigned before Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji, for allegedly killing Dudu who happened to be the sister to the 1st defendant, Bello Usman, over allegation of witchcraft. The defendants allegedly stormed the house of late Dudu, at the same address whom they accused of bewitching the 2nd defendant on the 26th August, 2025 and beat her up while and also set her house on fire. According to the prosecution, the victim was rushed to the Specialist Hospital for treatment but later gave up her ghost as confirmed by the medical doctor on duty. When the 3 co...

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has reaffirmed his administration's renewed commitment to livestock development. Governor Fintiri stated this when he hosted the Minister of Livestock Development, Muhktar Idi Maiha who was on an official visit in Adamawa. Fintiri who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Auwal D. Tukur, expressed government's resolved to supporting the FG's policy on livestock value chain. He said livestock sub-sector is a resource that needed to be harnessed to drive economic and the overall development. Earlier, the Minister for Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha said he was on thank you and routine consultation visit with livestock community in Adamawa ahead of the implementation of the national ranching policy.  Idi Maiha explained that his visit afforded him the opportunity to appreciate the state government for its support and successfully hosting of the national livestock summit. He disclosed that it is also...

A 29 years old forest guard identified as Sunday Markus, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly stabbing a 25 years old Isa Hamadu to death. News Platform  Sunday was remanded at the correctional center by the Chief Magistrate Court I sitting in Yola, Adamawa  State Capital presided by Magistrate Lawan Musa. The defendant who hails from Pallam community in Madagali LGA, was remanded following his arraignment before the court by the Adamawa State Police Command. Arraigning the defendant, the prosecuting police officer, Inspector Hamza Abdullahi, informed the court that the defendant was arrested on the 2nd January, 2026. The defendant allegedly stabbed Isa Hamadu in the stomach, and that the victim was confirmed dead by the medical doctor at cottage hospital Madagali when he was rushed for medical attention. When the content of the First Information Report tendered by the prosecutor was read to the defendant, he pleaded guilty to the allegation. Thereafter, the prose...

No fewer than 161 Demolished Shop Owners at the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market on Thursday, dragged the Adamawa State Government and 3 others to court, challenging the alleged demolition of their shops. The plaintiffs, Abubakar Abdullahi and 19 others on behalf of 141 other shop owners dragged the Adamawa State Government, Attorney General and Commissioner Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce and Industries and Urban Planning and Regional Development before the High Court presided by Justice Kaynson Lawanson. In their suit, Abubakar and other plaintiffs averred that they are valid, legal, rightful, beneficial owners and subsisting holders of title to their respective shops by virtue of the letters of allocation individually issued to them. The plaintiffs have asked the court to declare that the 1st defendant cannot lawfully revoke the plaintiffs' allocation made by it or its agents without serving the statutory notices as required by the Land Use Act, 1978. They further sought for...

A High Court Number VIII sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Wednesday, discharged and acquitted 3 persons of alleged criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and abatement. News Platform  The court presided by Hon. Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji, discharged and acquitted the defendants including Dauda Hayatu, Adamu Usman and Yahaya Manu for failure of the prosecution to prove its case. The prosecution alleged that the trio and others (now at large) stormed the residence of Aliyu Alhaji Gidado, at Wuro-Mallam in Ribadu ward, Fufore LGA, on the 19th October, 2023 and abducted him. According to the prosecution, the defendants demanded the ransom of N3million which the said ransom was delivered to them by Iliya Usman and Bobboi Hammanyaji in Gurin ward Fufore LGA before his release. When the charge was read to Hayatu and 2 others on the 3rd July, 2025, they all pleaded not guilty to each of the 3 counts of "criminal conspiracy and kidnapping and abatement" During trial, the prosecution calle...

The Middle -Belt Coalition Movement on Monday, inaugurated the executive council saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the coalition Adamawa state chapter. Those inaugurated include Comrade Salihu Biriji Banjiram, Coordinator, Apagu Ijaduwa, Deputy Coordinator, Piyeno Richard Dore, Abubakar J. Yohaya, and Sunday Amos, Deputy Coordinators Adamawa South, Central and North respectively. Others include, Joel Samanja Jecol, Secretary, Vitalis Haniel, Assistant Secretary, Mary Ornan, Treasurer, Alh. Tanko Joda, Assistant Treasurer, Sali Musa, Financial Secretary, Hon. James Toungo, Assistant Financial Secretary and Amsam Taddawus, Women Leader. Other Exco are Hajiya Miriam Ibrahim, Assistant Women Leader, Moses Pukuma, Youth Leader, Hon. Emmanuel Dominic, Assistant Youth Leader, Panassum Rissa, Organizing Secretary, Akauyau Engineer, Assistant Organizing Secretary, Boniface Waziri, PRO I, Bashir Mohammed PRO II, Danladi Daniel, Auditor I, Auwal Usman, Auditor 2,  Als...

Adamawa State Police Command has observed with serious concern the rate of crashes along major highways in and around the State, cautioning motorists to desist from it. According to the command, investigations indicate that most of these accidents are caused by reckless driving, over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, non licensed and illegal road racing involving power bikes and vehicles. This is contained in a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje and made available to News Platform. He said, "In view of these disturbing trends, the Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankwambo, strongly cautions all motorists, commercial drivers, motorcycle riders, and other road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations at all times. He disclosed that the command is poised to enforce the ban on power bike racing and vehicle racing on all public roads across Adamawa State. He said that their acts pose a grave danger to lives and property, sayi...

Written by Peter Cheman Koti It was famously written in an epitaph often attributed to a Bishop of Westminster Abbey: “When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world… If I had only changed myself first, then by example, I would have changed my family… and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.” This reflection on transformation resonates deeply with Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa. The measure of a leader is first seen in his personal life, then in the influence he exerts on his family, his work, and the people he guides. Ultimately, the true worth of leadership lies in how one treats those around him and the positive change he inspires in his community, his state, and the wider world. Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa embodies this philosophy. A towering figure who carries himself with humility, he reflects grace, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being and advancement of his people. Dr. Durkwa hails from Wuyaku village in Garkida Di...

The Chief Magistrate Court I sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Thursday, ordered the remand of 2 people in prison custody over alleged multiple offences. News Platform  The court presided by Magistrate Kabiru Musa, remanded the defendants including Joshua William and Ezekiel Luka of Lafiya Lamurde and Numan LGAs respectively. The defendants landed at the correctional center following their arraignment before the court by the Commissioner of Police Adamawa State Police Command. They were arranged before the court for alleged " criminal conspiracy, being in possession of dangerous weapon,               terrorism, inciting disturbance and culpable homicide". When the content of the First Information Report earlier tendered was read to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the allegations levelled against them by the prosecution. According to the FIR, the defendants were nabbed on the 4th January, 2026 by the Operation Farauta, a joint ...

The former Chairman of Guyuk Local Government Council, in Adamawa State, Eng. Kube Akila Dwana, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Eng. Kube along side his supporters have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for APC and pledged to work towards ensuring President Bola Tinubu's re-election. The erstwhile Chairman who is currently the National Coordinator of the Middle Belt Coalition Movement and some of his supporters were received at the Secretariat of the APC in Yola, Adamawa State Capital by the Chairman of the party in the State, Barr. Idris Shuaibu represented the Secretary, Dr. Raymond Chidama among officials of the party. They were accompanied at the Secretariat of the party by the Member representing Guyuk constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Peter, APC Chairman Guyuk LGA, Alh. Yahaya Bodei, other officials of the party among others. Speaking at the party secretariat, Eng. Kube, informed the leadership of the party that he h...

  The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has received a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed". It disclosed that the letter was submitted to the Commission by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, Legal Counsel to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson/Head Media and Public Communications of ICPC, J. Okor Odey. "The letter from O.J Onoja SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.   "The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing"...

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola, Adamawa State has fixed 14th January, 2026 for the the adoption of final written addresses in petition filed against the Member representing Ganye constituency, Hon. Misa Musa. News Platform  The tribunal presided by Justice A. O. Ebong, fixed the date after hearing in the petition filed by the PDP Candidate in the just concluded Ganye bye-election, Hon. Buba Mohammed Joda. Hon. Joda is challenging the election of Hon. Misa Musa, elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress to represent Ganye constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

By Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa January 1, 2026 As we step into the new year, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Almighty God for the lessons, triumphs, and challenges of 2025 brought our way as a people. This year has been a testament to the power of faith, unyielding, resilience, and determination. As we look to the future starting with this new year, 2026, I remain committed to the progress of our great state, Adamawa, and our beloved country, Nigeria.  While we support the current administration's efforts, we also recognize that the future holds greater capacity and promises for better governance, peace, and development. As a leader shaped by discipline and service, I believe in the potential of our people and the importance of building on existing achievements.  The vision for Adamawa intends to be rooted in continuity, empathy, and inclusive development.  I am driven by a passion to serve, to listen, and to craft policies that respond directly to the needs of ...