Late Major General Rabe Abubakar’s son, Isyaka Rabe, has disputed claims that his father suffered from diabetes or hypertension before his death, stating that there was no known medical history supporting such reports.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka dismissed reports attributed to the Katsina State Government suggesting that the retired military officer died as a result of diabetes complications.

He said some individuals believe the late general may have died from a snake bite, referencing a video earlier released by the kidnappers, but stressed that the true cause of death remains unknown.

He added that only God knows what truly happened to his father in captivity.

While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a devout, peaceful, and humble man who lived a disciplined life, noting that he died a hero.

When asked about the recovery of his father’s remains, Isyaka said the family was not informed about the circumstances surrounding it.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.

Isyaka also revealed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, is still in captivity, debunking social media reports claiming she had been released.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the late general’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, had earlier stated on her X handle, @Addahaleem, that her father did not die of diabetes, insisting instead that a snake bite may have been responsible.

The retired Major General and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He later died while in the custody of his abductors.

However, the Katsina State Government had earlier announced that the retired officer died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

Family members and other sources continue to insist that his death may have resulted from a snake bite during captivity.

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians serving prison sentences in Ethiopia that efforts are underway to bring them home following the implementation of a prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The assurance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia on June 11.

Speaking to the inmates, the minister announced that the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries had officially taken effect, describing it as part of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred diplomatic agenda under its 4-D foreign policy framework.

She explained that the policy, built around diplomacy, democracy, development and demography, places strong emphasis on the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the inmates that the Federal Government remained conscious of their plight and had not forgotten them, adding that arrangements were being made to facilitate the return of eligible prisoners to Nigeria.

According to her, negotiations leading to the agreement took considerable time due to legal and judicial requirements in both countries. She disclosed that several Nigerian inmates reportedly died while discussions were ongoing before the deal was eventually finalised.

The minister stressed that while the government remains committed to protecting Nigerians overseas, citizens also have a responsibility to respect the laws of their host countries to avoid legal troubles.

She noted that inmates who qualify for transfer must provide formal consent before the necessary documentation and repatriation procedures can begin, in accordance with international correctional standards.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged the prisoners to participate actively in rehabilitation and correctional programmes to aid their reintegration into society upon their return to Nigeria.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service assured the inmates that those transferred back to Nigeria would initially be received at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where they would undergo further processing before possible relocation to facilities closer to their families.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, while Ethiopian officials represented their government during the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

The prisoner transfer arrangement is expected to benefit approximately 100 Nigerian inmates currently serving sentences in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that about 98 prisoners, including two women, could qualify for repatriation if they meet the required conditions.

The minister’s visit reportedly sparked emotional reactions among the inmates, many of whom expressed gratitude and renewed hope at the prospect of returning to Nigeria after spending years in foreign correctional facilities.

Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos-based hospital of frustrating efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nknau.

Adichie alleged that Euracare Hospital has repeatedly delayed and complicated the coronial inquest into her son’s death, which occurred in January. According to her, the inquiry was initially scheduled to begin in April but has yet to make meaningful progress.

The celebrated novelist claimed that the hospital has “stalled and muddied and obfuscated” the process and has now sought an order from Nigeria’s Federal High Court to halt the inquest altogether.

The BBC reported that it contacted Euracare for a response. Meanwhile, a panel established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had earlier found grounds suggesting possible medical negligence on the part of the hospital.

Adichie recently made her first public comments since the death of her son by publishing on social media a letter she had written to the hospital’s director in April.

In the post, she questioned the hospital’s actions, stating: “If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest.”

She also explained her decision to make the matter public, writing: “The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair.

“I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.”

In her letter, Adichie challenged the hospital’s conclusion that her son died from bacterial meningitis.

“There was no medical evidence to make such a claim on his death certificate,” she wrote.

The author and her family have accused Euracare of negligence, alleging that medical personnel denied the child oxygen and administered excessive sedation, which they believe led to cardiac arrest.

Euracare has previously expressed condolences to the family but denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the treatment provided met international medical standards.

Adichie further alleged that the hospital supplied incomplete medical records following her son’s death.

She described the documentation as “strikingly unprofessional,” adding that “one was inaccurate”.

Court filings submitted by her legal representatives indicate that Nknau was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos with what was described as a worsening but relatively mild illness.

According to the filings, plans were already underway to transfer him to the United States for specialist treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Before the trip, however, he was referred to Euracare Hospital for pre-flight medical assessments, including an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture.

The toddler reportedly died on January 7 after undergoing the series of diagnostic procedures at Euracare.

Adichie is one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures and the author of internationally acclaimed books including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. She has also participated in high-profile global discussions featuring leaders such as former United States Vice President Kamala Harris and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Although she resides in the United States, Adichie was in Nigeria during the Christmas holiday period when the incident occurred.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has explained why he transferred power to a democratically elected government within 11 months of assuming office in 1998, describing the move as both a political necessity and a moral obligation to restore stability and unity in Nigeria.

Abdulsalami made the remarks during the celebration of his 84th birthday and the public presentation of three books documenting his life, leadership journey, and contributions to peacebuilding and nation-building.

The event, held at the State House in Abuja and themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @ 84,” featured the unveiling of his autobiography, “A Call of Duty: My Autobiography,” alongside “Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honor of General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar,” and “Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, GCFR.”

Abdulsalami served as Nigeria’s Head of State between June 1998 and May 1999, succeeding the late General Sani Abacha and later handing over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo following a democratic transition.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his emergence as leader, Abdulsalami said Nigeria was facing deep political divisions and widespread calls for democratic governance after years of military rule.

“History is a way of defining the destiny of nations through critical moments,” he said.

“When I assumed office as Head of State in 1998, Nigeria stood at a crossroads, a nation yearning for stability, democracy and good governance.”

He noted that demands for a return to civilian rule came from political leaders, civil society organisations, members of the international community, and ordinary Nigerians who were tired of prolonged military governance.

According to him, he immediately committed to ensuring a swift and credible transition to democratic rule.

Abdulsalami said his administration worked closely with members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the Federal Executive Council, military leaders, and the media to fulfil that promise.

“We had to depart from the era of decrees and fashion out workable constitutional arrangements to legitimise the transition from military rule to democratic governance,” he said.

The former military leader stressed that leadership should be defined by service rather than authority.

“Leadership is not about power but about responsibility, and the best way to lead is to serve with integrity.”

He explained that within 11 months, his administration successfully completed a transition programme that culminated in the inauguration of a civilian government on May 29, 1999, bringing an end to more than 15 years of uninterrupted military rule.

Describing the decision as one rooted in principle, Abdulsalami said restoring democracy was essential to rebuilding national unity and ensuring long-term stability.

“True to this commitment, within 11 months, my administration midwifed the transition that restored democratic governance to Nigeria on May 29, 1999.

“This was not just a political necessity but a moral imperative to set our nation on the path of stability, unity and progress.”

He expressed optimism that future generations would continue strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the country’s democratic culture.

One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of Abdulsalami’s autobiography, which offers a firsthand account of some of Nigeria’s most significant political moments.

The book revisits key events including the Nigerian Civil War, military coups between 1966 and 1993, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the political crisis that followed, General Ibrahim Babangida’s exit from power, the deaths of General Sani Abacha and Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the process that led to the creation of the 1999 Constitution.

It also chronicles his peace-building and mediation efforts across Africa after leaving office.

Abdulsalami said retirement from public office did not end his commitment to national and continental service.

Instead, he shifted his focus to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and mediation initiatives.

According to him, this vision inspired the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies in Minna, which serves as a platform for research, dialogue, and engagement on conflict management and nation-building.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice,” he said.

He also highlighted the creation of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre in Abuja, which he said was established to preserve and promote the values of peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The former Head of State further commended members of the National Peace Committee (NPC), which he chairs, for their role in promoting peaceful elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.

He praised the committee’s efforts in fostering dialogue among political actors, civil society organisations, and security agencies, noting that their interventions have contributed significantly to credible and peaceful electoral processes.

“I would like to thank the distinguished members of the committee for their commitment and tireless efforts,” he said.

Abdulsalami also called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious bodies, and the media to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity.

Another major feature of the event was the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre by former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.

The centre is expected to serve as a hub for research and documentation on leadership, governance, peacebuilding, and democratic development across Africa.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced the next stage of its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, with shortlisted candidates set to proceed for physical screening and document verification.

The exercise is for applicants who participated in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in November 2025. Candidates have been advised to verify their status through the official recruitment portal and complete all required steps ahead of the screening exercise.

What You Need To Know About The FG’s Paramilitary Recruitment Screening Exercise

Screening process officially begins

The CDCFIB has commenced the physical screening and document verification stage of the ongoing recruitment exercise into Nigeria’s paramilitary services.

Only CBT participants are eligible

The exercise is specifically for candidates who participated in the online Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in November 2025.

Shortlisting status can be checked from June 15

According to the Board, applicants are expected to verify whether they have been shortlisted between Monday, June 15 and Friday, June 20, 2026, through the official recruitment portal.

Candidates must log in using their application numbers

Successful applicants are required to access the recruitment portal using the same application number used during registration.

Academic credentials must be uploaded

Shortlisted candidates will be required to upload their academic certificates and other necessary documents on the portal before proceeding to the next stage.

Applicants will choose their screening date and venue

The system allows successful candidates to select their preferred screening date and verification centre.

The recruitment process is completely free

The Board reiterated that no payment is required at any stage of the recruitment process.

“The Board wishes to emphasize that the recruitment process is completely free hence, no fee should be paid by applicants to any individual, agent, group or organization claiming to render assistance with shortlisting, venue allocation, document upload, access to screening venue, or final selection.”

Beware of fraudsters and fake recruitment agents

Candidates have been warned not to patronise employment racketeers or individuals claiming they can influence the recruitment process.

Ignore fake messages and suspicious links

The Board advised applicants to disregard unofficial shortlisting messages, fraudulent websites, and individuals impersonating CDCFIB officials.

Follow only official communication channels

Major-General Ahmed Jibril (rtd), Secretary of the Board, stated that all genuine information regarding the exercise will be communicated exclusively through official CDCFIB platforms.

Recruitment will be based on merit

The Board assured applicants that the exercise will be conducted transparently and in line with public service recruitment guidelines.

According to Major-General Jibril, the Board remains committed to ensuring that the multi-agency recruitment exercise is fair, credible, and merit-driven while adhering strictly to established civil service regulations.

Applicants are therefore encouraged to complete all required verification steps within the stipulated period and remain vigilant against scams throughout the recruitment process.

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has died while in captivity, two weeks after he was abducted by armed gunmen alongside his wife near the Matazu area of Katsina State while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.

The Katsina State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, describing the incident as a painful loss to the family, the state, and the nation.

According to the government, the former military officer died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government to secure his release.

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.

The government noted that extensive attempts were made to rescue the retired senior officer, but the efforts ultimately ended in tragedy. It added that his contributions extended beyond Katsina State and left a lasting impact on Nigeria.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences to the family of the late general and Nigerians at large, describing the incident as a “dark moment” that highlights the urgent need for stronger collaboration in tackling criminal elements threatening communities across the country.

The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice, while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and improve security across Katsina State.

The death of the retired general has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges in northern Nigeria, where kidnappings and bandit attacks continue to affect communities, travellers, and prominent individuals despite ongoing military operations.