News
NAIRALAND, ZULUM, AND THE MENDACIOUS MURDER TALE IN INDIA.
NAIRALAND, ZULUM, AND THE MENDACIOUS MURDER TALE IN INDIA.
By: Inuwa Bwala
Posers: Could Zulums son who spoke from Maiduguri, be in an Indian prison at the same time?
☆What is the name of the victim and when specifically did it happen?
☆ Which Indian official confirmed the incident and the arrest?
If I remember very well, it was the late Chief M K O Abiola, who once said, that, “One can not shave a man’s head in his absence.”
This is perhaps what Nairaland, a third rate online publication and it’s sponsors attempted to do by publishing that report, about the son of Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum having been arrested and detained over the murder of a nameless Chinese national in far away India.
Coming at a time when the said son is right here in Nigeria: Maiduguri in particular, and has not traveled out of Nigeria in the last three months, surmise Chief Abiola’s anecdote.
So many people; including the protagonist of the said report, have reacted to what was obviously a piece of mischief, which has tended to glorify the medium: that seems to be desperately seeking recognition.
My initial instinct was to also react when it first appeared, but I later dismissed it, knowing that it was just a mendacious esoteric narrative, intended to harm the Governor and not his son.
People on ground who are conversant with the Zulums and who interact with the children daily have called to tell me that, allowing the matter to linger: however trivial could make it assume a life of it’s own.
I have therefore decided to interrogate the salient likely issues underlying the said report, which sponsors may be secretly rejoicing over, as having unsettled the governor.
From professional judgment, the report was not only poorly scripted but lacks the basic tenets of good journalism: having failed to meet the rudimentary inputs of ordinary reportage.
In particular, it failed to name both the alleged murderer and the victim. It failed to specifically name, which town in India, did the incident happen: no date was mentioned of the incident having taken place, no attribution from witnesses to the incident, and no confirming authority about the incident or the arrest, neither was there any reference to how the father made the Said diplomatic overture.
The said report further lies flat, with the video denial by the assumed culprit, speaking from Maiduguri and not in captivity in India.
From the political view point: it is an incontrovertible fact, that, Professor Babagana Umar Zulum has earned universal acclaim for his outstanding leadership qualities and is fast becoming a reference point in leadership lessons.
It is, however, a sad truism that, much as he has endeared himself to the world, it is not everybody that is happy with Zulums’ rising fame.
His attainments seem to have lent him to envy and secret disdain.
Those who fear what he might become in the future have secretly formed a guild syndicalist group working towards undoing Governor Zulum, politically. Seeing him as a lacking political exposure, enough to survive their antics, but who is coming to outshine them have often given them jitters.
The said publication did, therefore, stem from a vacuum, but from the agenda of the group, which may yet be faceless but determined to rubbish him.
Against this background, one could clearly see that recruiting willing canonfodders in the media becomes necessary.
Now, with the trouble the publication seem to have landed itself into, they may have realized rather belatedly, that, those who wrote the script and gave it to them for publication were most uncharitable.
It may not be so easy tracing the office location of Nairaland: as it nay be just another briefcase blog, in the event that they fail to retract the damaging report as demanded by the Governor’s media managers, but it should go down on records, that, those who choose journalism as the easiet tool for Political vendetta are doing the greatest damage to our democracy and to a once noble profession.
NAIRALAND, ZULUM, AND THE MENDACIOUS MURDER TALE IN INDIA.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
