Limelight Magazine

03/02/2026

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

According to the commission, following the release of the viral video, it swung into action by tracing and subsequently arresting her to answer questions.

The commission says she is currently being held at its detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

"The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations", the commission assured.

02/02/2026

Breaking: Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Rigi-rigi, passes away

A popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Usman Kusfa Rigi-rigi, known for his unconventional and humorous approach to teaching, has died.

He passed away yesterday night after a brief illness.

A member of the Tijjaniyya sect, Sheikh Rigi-rigi hailed from Zaria, Kaduna State.

He gained widespread recognition on social media for his comedic style of preaching and his mention of unusual names of past Islamic scholars, which sparked curiosity among many Muslims.

The cleric was fondly referred to by several nicknames, including Rigi-rigi, Rugum, Danga-danga and Attalili-attagazuti, reflecting his lighthearted and entertaining approach to spreading Islamic knowledge.

17/11/2025

Bauchi Lawmaker Distributes 20 Cars, 150 Motorcycles, Others To Constituents

The member representing Alkaleri-Kirfi federal constituency in the federal house of representatives, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf (AKY Makaman Duguri), has flagged off a mega empowerment programme of about N1 billion to his constituents aimed at improving their economic status.

Addressing mammoth crowd of supporters in Bauchi, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf said, items distributed includes 20 vehicles, 150 motorcycles, 100 sewing machines, 200 water pump machines, 100 disabled wheelchairs and N200 million cash to beneficiaries.

AKY makama, explained that beneficiaries of the mega empowerment programme includes party officials from ward to local government levels, APC stakeholders from Alkaleri-Kirfi, youth and women groups, the elderly, people with special needs as well as other supporters that contributes to his political journey.

The lawmaker, called on the beneficiaries to utilise properly what was given to them for the economic development of the two local governments, Bauchi state and Nigeria as a whole.

He appealed to members of his constituency who could not find their names on the distribution list this time to exercise patience as more empowerment programmes were on the pipeline.

In his speech, APC chairman Bauchi State, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan Tilde, praised the developmental strides of the lawmaker, saying this was the sixth time he was attending empowerment programmes in two years stewardship of AKY makama.

On their parts, chairman APC stakeholders Alkaleri local government Alhaji Adamu Umar Gokaru and his Kirfi counterpart, Barrister Yakubu Yakubu Kirfi, said no lawmaker in the history of Alkaleri-Kirfi had preformed more than makama, and appealed him to maintain the momentum.

Some of the beneficiaries; Alhaji Iliya Natsira, Hajiya Lami, Dan malikin Bara amongst others thanked AKY makama for the gesture and promised to continue supporting as well as mobilising people ahead of 2027 elections.

30/08/2025

30/08/2025

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09/08/2025

Breaking: Kannywood star Rahama Sadau ties knot in low-key ceremony

Popular Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, has tied the knot with her fiance in a low-key ceremony.

According to BBC Hausa service report on Saturday monitored by our correspondent, the famous actress married her hearthrobe, Ibrahim Garba today in Kaduna.

It was revealed that Sadau married 50 days after her father's demise after the payment of N300,000 bride price by her groom.

Rahama Sadau, known for her talent and versatility in the Kannywood film industry, has been a controversial figure at times due to her mode of dressing.

Many northerners have felt that her style contradicts their cultural and religious norms.

Despite this, Sadau has continued to thrive in her career, breaking barriers and skipping hurdles in the northern Nigeria's film industry.

In addition to her work in Kannywood and Nollywood, Rahama Sadau had also participated in foreign movies, including Indian films.

Notably, she appeared in the Bollywood film "Khuda Haafiz" in 2022.

09/08/2025

Police denies breaking Sowore's hand

The Nigeria Police Force has denied torturing activist, Omoyele Sowore during his recent detention at the police headquarters.

Public Relations Officer of the force and deputy commissioner of police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the denial in a press release on Saturday.

Recall that Omoyele Sowore alleged that he was manhandled during his detention at the force headquarters as a result of which he sustained fracture on his right hand.

In a live video on his page shortly after he was released on Friday night, Sowore was seen with a bandage wrapped round his right arm.

But the Nigeria Police Force described the narrative as a disinformation to malign them.

According to them, contrary to the falsehoods being circulated, Sowore was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.

They added that the arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.

The police also claimed that the activist came along with the bandage seen on his arm inside his personal belongings, alleging that he refused to allow himself to be examined by the police medical team at the custody

"Equally false and grossly misleading is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody.

"The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in alignment with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and in fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments

"The viral image of Mr. Sowore with a bandaged arm has been mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage.

For the record, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention. In any case, upon receiving the report that Mr. Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police promptly ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly in light of his consistent refusal to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police", the statement reads.

08/08/2025

Breaking: Omoyele Sowore released by Nigeria Police

Popular activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been released after being detained for two days at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja.

Sowore was detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit regarding petitions related to forgery of a police document and cyberbullying.

Sowore announced his release in a live video on his page on Friday night, expressing gratitude to groups and other Nigerians for their solidarity during his detention.

He specifically appreciated support from notable figures like; former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana among others.

"Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement, I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up! ", he stated.

08/08/2025

INEC plans for inmates' voting in 2027

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is planning to include inmates in correctional centres across the country among country men that will vote.

Chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, disclosed this plan on Friday during a meeting with the comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche in his office.

Yakubu said INEC is taking steps to ensure that inmates in prisons can participate in the voting process and would collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service to arrange that.

He stated that the commission initiated meeting with prison authorities to plan how inmates would cast their votes in the next elections.

The INEC chairman stated that this includes arranging access to detention facilities to enable inmates to exercise their voting rights.

He noted that the move was part of INEC's efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that all eligible voters, including those in detention, have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

He urged the National Assembly to support the plan.

08/08/2025

Youth Arise Movement Condemns Sowore's Detention

The Youth Arise Movement has condemned the arrest and detention of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Police Force.

Sowore was detained on August 6, 2025, after responding to a police invitation.

The movement in a press release signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Babatunde Ademola, and issued to Limelight Magazine, demanded his immediate and unconditional release, citing "violations of his rights under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution and international human rights law".

He called on the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and ensure security agencies act within legal bounds.

According to the group, Sowore's continued "persecution" affects not just him, but all Nigerians believing in freedom, equity, and a better future.

"The police is a constitutional body and civil organisation that is not above criticisms. Law enforcement powers should not be used by the police to deter its critics and watchdogs.

"The case of Sowore shows just how far the authorities in Nigeria can go to silence peaceful dissent", he decried.

29/07/2025

Gombe youth back calls for Jaoji's appointment as Humanitarian Minister

A youth group in Gombe State 'Gombe Youth Discussion Circle' has backed calls by other groups and individuals in the north for the appointment of a Kano based philanthropist, Nasiru Bala Jaoji, as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to replace Yilwatda Nentawe.

Limelight Magazine reports that Nentawe, the former minister emerged as new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent days.

The group during an endorsement event in Gombe said they are throwing their weight behind Jaoji because several youth of the state also benefited from his youth empowerment and humanitarian activities.

According to Ibrahim Usman, the convener of the group, Jaoji is a symbol of selfless leadership with decades of experience in public service, philanthropy, and humanitarian engagement, "making him fit for the post of humanitarian minister".

"Malam Nasiru Bala Jaoji stands tall as a symbol of selfless leadership. His decades of experience in philanthropy, and humanitarian engagement speak volumes of his capacity.

"At a time when Nigeria needs competent, compassionate, and committed leaders, we urge President Tinubu to consider Malam Jaoji for the crucial role of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs," Usman stated.

The group highlighted Malam Jaoji's numerous interventions in youth development to include; educational scholarships, vocational training, and support for vulnerable populations.