News
Student, 25, Smashes Step Mum’s Head with Pestle, Injures Father
A 200-level student of Education Management, Federal University, Dustin-ma, Najib Shehu, has been paraded by the Katsina State Police Command over the death of his 60-year-old stepmother, Asiya Mohammed.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Najib alongside his father and Asiya were at home when an argument ensued between the undergraduate and his stepmother.
During the argument, Najib reportedly went into the kitchen, picked up a pestle, allegedly smashed his stepmother’s head with it, and equally hit his father’s leg.
While Najib’s father was said to be recuperating in a hospital, his stepmother, who was also rushed to a nearby hospital, was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Narrating how the incident happened at the police command headquarters, Najib said he had a misunderstanding with his stepmother, adding that his stepmother was the one who attempted attacking him with the pestle.
He said, “My name is Najib Shehu. I am 25-year-old and a 200 level student of Education Management, Federal University, Dutsin-ma. I have been having issues with my step mother but on that Thursday, I had just observed prayers and returned to our house.
“My father was in the sitting room when my stepmother entered holding a pestle and started threatening me with it. She raised the pestle up to hit my head but I defended it. Then, she wanted to hit my leg but I jumped up, dodged it and it hit my father’s leg as he was coming to intervene.
“Again, my stepmother raised the pestle up and wanted to hit my head with it but I pushed her, and in the process, the pestle hit her head and caused her to fall down and die.
“My mother was the first wife of my father and they are separated. But I have been staying together with my father and stepmother at the Ambassador Quarters in Katsina. I regret my action; I did not want to commit the crime.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah, during the parade, displayed the pestle that the suspect allegedly used in killing the 60- year old woman.
“You know it is a murder case and we must investigate thoroughly. We shall arraign him in court immediately after the completion of our investigation,” Isah said.
However, in a statement issued by the command on the incident, Isah had said Najib, 25, had a misunderstanding with Asiya around 4pm on August 18, 2022, at their residence at the Ambassador Quarters, Katsina.
“He went to the kitchen, grabbed a pestle, hit her head severally with it and she sustained head injuries and was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
“In the spur of the moment, the suspect also hit his father’s leg severally with the said pestle and he sustained fractures in different parts of his leg. The suspect was arrested and he confessed to the commission of the offence. The said pestle has been recovered as an exhibit.
A dramatic confrontation erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, clashed in a fierce struggle for control of the party’s headquarters.
Mary Chinda, reporting for ARISE News, said that security operatives loyal to both camps engaged in a free for all over who would take possession of the secretariat, with heavy teargas fired around the Wuse Zone Five premises as tensions boiled over.
Governor Makinde arrived at the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, while Wike remained firmly positioned inside the building with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary who maintains that his tenure remains valid until December 8, 2025.
The intense standoff deepened concerns within the party, with several PDP leaders accusing the Police of failing to demonstrate neutrality in the escalating leadership crisis.
Source: Arise News
Suspected terrorists have reported invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSSS), Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, of Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting an unspecified number of students.
Zaragoza reports that a resident, Malama Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the attackers stormed the school at night and operated freely, throwing the community into panic.
The resident was said to have described the invasion as “a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning”, adding that the bandits moved in large numbers and overpowered the area without resistance.
Gishiri said the late Vice Principal was shot while attempting to protect students from the attackers.
“People in the community have been offering prayers for his soul, asking Allah to grant him mercy, a peaceful resting place, and to console his family over this painful loss,” she said.
The people of Maga further appealed to the government to act swiftly to rescue the abducted students, saying they may not have gone far, and to strengthen security around schools and communities in the area, which have suffered repeated attacks by bandits.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has signed a landmark Internet connectivity agreement with the Imo State Government through its Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance.
Globacom disclosed in a press statement that the deal which is the largest single fixed Internet connectivity project in the history of Globacom’s Enterprise Business Group marks a significant milestone in the State’s drive towards achieving a fully digital economy, e-governance structure, and the establishment of a Smart City in Owerri, the state capital.
According to the telecommunications giant, the deal accentuates its pivotal role in delivering robust telecommunications infrastructure and next-generation digital solutions across Nigeria and beyond. The project will empower the company to provide high-capacity Internet connectivity to critical locations within the State, including the Smart City project in Owerri—home to 15 mega buildings—as well as the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance, and the Imo State University for Innovation, Science and Technology, formerly Imo State Polytechnic.
Said Glo, “Our Glo-1 submarine cable, which connects Nigeria directly to Europe through our privately-owned international fibre optic network, will form the backbone of this ambitious project. The Glo-1 infrastructure guarantees superior bandwidth capacity, minimal latency, and highly secures connections, making it ideal for supporting the State’s digital transformation agenda and enhancing the efficiency of public services”.
The company added that the partnership with the Imo State Government will strengthen its commitment to providing reliable, high-quality connectivity that drives socio-economic progress and bridges the digital divide across Nigeria.
Furthermore, Globacom said: “We are honoured by the confidence reposed in Globacom by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodinma and his team,” adding that “This partnership is a testament to our technical capability, nationwide coverage, and proven efficiency in delivering enterprise-grade connectivity solutions. We will work closely with the State’s technical team to ensure timely delivery of the project and to support Imo’s vision of a thriving digital economy.”
“Imo State is setting a remarkable example for other states in Nigeria by leveraging technology to improve governance, education, and business efficiency. “We applaud the Governor’s focus on empowering the youth and building an innovation-driven economy. This partnership aligns perfectly with Globacom’s mission to power Nigeria’s digital future, enhance the State’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure and training initiatives for young people which will create new employment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and accelerate sustainable economic growth”.
Globacom has sustained its imposing presence in every region of Nigeria backed by its resilient network that traverses West Africa. The company has its footprints in digital connectivity solutions for both public and private sectors. Its advanced infrastructure — anchored on the Glo-1 international fibre network, extensive metro fibre coverage, and resilient enterprise systems — ensure that institutions, governments, and businesses can rely on seamless, secure, and scalable connectivity.
The network called on other state administrations to emulate Imo State’s bold initiative by embracing strategic digital partnerships saying, “The future belongs to states and nations that invest in technology and connectivity. We encourage other governments to partner with Globacom in building digital infrastructures that can power education, commerce, governance, and innovation. Together, we can strengthen regional economies, create opportunities for millions, and drive poverty out of our communities.”
