Day: August 1, 2025

How Islam Deals with Murder: A Shari‘ah-Based Perspective on the Hafsoh Lawal Case By Mallam Amb. Ibrahim Agunbiade (Abu Jannāt)

Emporium Reporters

Friday (Yaom al-Jumu‘ah) 7th safar 1447AH / 1st August, 2025     The gruesome murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student in Ilorin, by Abdulrahman Bello has drawn widespread condemnation. The Kwara State High Court sentenced Bello to death by hanging after he was found guilty of luring and killing the young woman for ritual purposes. While Nigerian law has acted, many have asked: What would Islamic law (Shari‘ah) say about this crime?   This article examines the Islamic legal perspective on murder and repentance, drawing from authentic sources and…

MURIC urges FG to establish Shari’ah Federal Courts nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to establish Shari’ah Federal Courts across all 36 states of the federation to ensure equitable access to justice for Nigerian Muslims.   The Islamic human rights organisation made this appeal through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement issued on Friday.   Professor Akintola lamented the current structure of Nigeria’s judiciary, which he described as discriminatory against Muslims, particularly those residing in the southern part of the country where no Shari’ah court currently exists.   “The country’s…

Ghana has No Room for Xenophobia – President Mahama assures Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President John Mahama of Ghana has assured that there is no place for xenophobia in his country, emphasized his administration’s strong commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, particularly on the free movement of persons and goods across the region.   President Mahama gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.   He urged the delegation to relay to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he…

Nigeria Customs begins transition to Authorised Economic Operator Programme, to end Fast Track Scheme by December 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bold move to align Nigeria’s trade processes with international standards, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the transition from its current Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognised Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.   The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, who noted that the transition is anchored on the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and backed by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.  …

NITDA DG advocates Civil Society-Government Synergy to advance Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has called for stronger collaboration between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the government to drive the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.   Speaking at the inaugural Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development, held at the Rotunda Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Inuwa stressed that sustainable national development requires a united effort and shared responsibility.   “Reforming Nigeria’s economy and ensuring inclusive growth is…

NITDA leads push for Digital Identity, Data Integration in National CRVS Reform

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital identity and integrated data systems as critical tools for effective national planning and inclusive governance.   Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Coordination Committee held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the agency’s role in driving the digital transformation of civil registration processes across Nigeria.   The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the National Population Commission (NPC), the National…

Nigeria’s Digital Economy will drive inclusion, unity and growth – NITDA DG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to using digital technology as a key driver of inclusive development, citizen empowerment, and national unity. Speaking at a two-day Interactive Session on Government–Citizens Engagement hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at the Arewa House, Kaduna, Inuwa emphasized the critical role of digital transformation in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The forum, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government Engagement for National Unity,” brought together key…

Nigeria Customs launches Renewable Energy Handbook, boosts EU-Germany-GIZ collaboration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a Handbook on Import and Export Procedures for Renewable Energy Equipment, in a move to simplify trade processes and enhance compliance in Nigeria’s fast-growing clean energy sector.   The official launch, which took place on Tuesday , July 29, 2025, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, was the result of a strategic partnership involving the European Union (EU), the German Embassy, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the document as a “living guide” that…

Friday Sermon: Run Away From Deception The Way You Run Away From Lion! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy   All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Islam, one of the world’s major religions, is often misunderstood and misrepresented in various aspects, including its stance on deceptive practices. In this sermon, I will explore what Islam truly teaches about deceit and dishonesty, dispelling misconceptions…

Court sentences Abdulrahman Bello to death for gruesome murder of Hafsoh Lawal

Emporium Reporters

By Fatima Abubakar ,Ilorin     The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the College of Education, Ilorin. Delivering the judgment on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Justice Hannah Ajayi described the killing as a cruel and despicable act committed under the guise of affection. The court found that Bello lured Hafsoh to his residence at the Olunlade area of Ilorin on February 10, 2025, with false promises of love and…