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Katsina plans mass wedding for 1,000 couples

The state government’s maiden welfare initiative will unite 2,000 individuals on April 25, even as armed bandits terrorise nearby communities. The Katsina State Government has announced a mass wedding ceremony for at least 1,000 couples drawn from all 34 local government areas, describing the initiative as a bid to ease the financial burden of marriage on the state’s most vulnerable residents.

The event, scheduled for April 25, 2026, will bring together 2,000 individuals, including widows, orphans, and economically disadvantaged people who, officials say, have long been willing to marry but unable to afford it.

The Director General of the Katsina State Hisbah Board, Malam Abu-Ammar, announced a livelihood support and counselling training session on Thursday.

He said the programme was conceived as part of the government’s efforts to reduce conditions that breed social vices.

“Many widows, orphans, and vulnerable individuals are unable to get married despite their willingness due to socioeconomic challenges,” he said.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, A’isha Malumfashi, added that all 1,000 couples had already undergone medical screening and compatibility verification ahead of the ceremony.

The government has promised support packages for both brides and grooms, though the total budget for the event has not been disclosed.

The announcement, however, comes at a fraught moment for the state. Just hours before it was made public, armed bandits reportedly issued a written ultimatum to communities in Kankia Local Government Area, demanding 700 cows and 1,000 sheep within four days or face violent raids.

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Celebs

Nollywood Veteran Hanks Anuku captured roaming the streets of Abuja

A viral video showing veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku on a roadside in Abuja has sparked concern among Nigerians on social media. The footage, believed to have been recorded recently, shows the 64-year-old actor appearing distressed, holding a disposable cup and seemingly talking to himself. Some social media users speculated that he may have been under the influence of alcohol, though this remains unconfirmed.

​Sharing the clip online, eyewitnesses appealed for support, writing:

​“Please Nigerians, Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku needs our help. Please repost and share so he can get help.”
The video has generated mixed reactions, with some expressing concern for the actor’s well-being, while others urged the public not to jump to conclusions.

One user said, “He made his choice. Donate for him and he will still visit his drugs and drinks. Best advice na the one wey person advice himself.”

Several fans called on his fellow actors and the Nigerian Actors Guild to provide the actor with the necessary medical and financial support.\

Anuku previously made headlines in November 2022 after a viral video showed him dressed in worn-out clothing while wandering the streets, prompting widespread speculation about his mental health. The actor later dismissed claims that he was battling mental illness. However, this latest video shows concerns over the state of his mental health and well-being.

​During his time in Nollywood, Hanks Anuku was known for playing the archetypal bad-boy role, which earned him fame through his performances in movies like ‘The Senator.’ The actor’s current situation sheds light on the issues confronting movie stars and other celebrities who often battle with depression and financial crisis after leaving the limelight.

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Ivorian Star Diomande snubs Liverpool, picks preferred destination

Leipzig’s 19-year-old sensation Yan Diomande has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a massive transfer blow to Liverpool.

The highly sought-after Ivory Coast international, who is currently representing his nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been courted by several elite European clubs over the past few months.

Liverpool notably saw an €100 million (£86.8m) bid rejected by Leipzig last week and are expected to return with an improved offer.

However, despite the Premier League interest, Diomande has reportedly prioritised a move to the French capital, fully convinced by the sporting project presented by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and manager Luis Enrique.

With personal terms now out of the way, they now have to negotiate with Leipzig, who are adamantly insisting that the versatile winger, who is tied to a long-term contract until June 2030, is not for sale unless a staggering €120 million offer arrives at their door.

Paris Saint-Germain have established European dominance under Enrique, successfully securing consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.

The teenager believes joining the reigning European champions will provide him with the optimal platform to secure major trophies and eventually achieve his personal ambition of winning the Ballon d’Or.

His massive valuation is justified by a spectacular breakthrough 2025/26 Bundesliga season, where he registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances after joining Leipzig from Spanish side Leganés just last summer.

As Diomande prepares for Ivory Coast’s World Cup Round of 32 clash against Norway on Tuesday, June 30, Liverpool are now forced to pivot toward alternative targets such as Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

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Seven Boko Haram terrorists arrested while returning from Hajj through NIN verification

The Federal Government says seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage were arrested through Nigeria’s integrated NIN verification system before being handed over to the DSS.

Former Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders attempting to re-enter Nigeria after performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage were arrested through the country’s integrated National Identification Number (NIN) verification system, the Federal Government has revealed.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed that seven known Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were apprehended at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State shortly after arriving from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, Tunji-Ojo said the arrests demonstrated the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure in strengthening national security.

“I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina Airport and were handed over to the DSS,” the minister said.

According to him, the suspects were identified through the integration of Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database with the Nigeria Immigration Service, INTERPOL and other international security intelligence platforms.

He explained that the collaboration enables security agencies to instantly flag individuals on security watchlists whenever they attempt to enter or leave the country through official border posts.

Tunji-Ojo said the development highlights the importance of the country’s identity management reforms, noting that the NIN has become a critical tool in tracking criminal suspects and enhancing national security.

“The NIN has become more than just an identity number. It is now a major security tool that helps us identify and intercept persons of interest,” he said.

Following their arrest, the seven suspects were immediately handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

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