Today’s Headlines: Fed Govt Not Tracking Citizens Through Mobile Devices; Farmer Found Hanging in Osun, Police Begin Probe

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Device Checker platform is being used to monitor citizens through their mobile phones. NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said the platform does not access users’ personal information, messages, photos, contacts or financial data. He explained that the initiative is designed to verify devices, enforce regulatory standards and combat counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised mobile phones.

Maida urged Nigerians to check their devices before purchase through the NCC’s online verification portal and buy from reputable, licensed dealers. He said the platform would strengthen consumer protection, improve compliance with technical standards and safeguard the integrity of telecommunications networks. The commission also encouraged manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to comply with its device approval requirements.

A 20-year-old farmhand identified as Saviour, from Benue State, has been found hanging from a tree in the Alagbede area of Orile-Owu, Osun State. The deceased, who worked as a labourer in the community, had reportedly gone missing before he was found dead on Thursday. Residents said the incident shocked the community, and the matter was reported to the police.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura had ordered a thorough investigation. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said officers visited the scene and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The circumstances surrounding Saviour’s death remain unclear.

Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe has sworn in three commissioners, 18 special advisers, a Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) and a Counsellor on Infrastructure, urging them to serve with integrity, fairness and dedication. She said the appointments reflected Governor Uba Sani’s confidence in their abilities and stressed that public office was a responsibility to the people rather than a privilege.

Balarabe defended the timing of the appointments, stating that governance must continue regardless of the election calendar. She highlighted the administration’s reported achievements since May 2023, including the reopening of more than 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity, the return of over 300,000 out-of-school children to classrooms in 2025, and the upgrading of 255 primary healthcare centres. She urged the appointees to strengthen grassroots engagement and deliver results that would earn public trust.

Inter Milan and AC Milan have unveiled plans for a new 71,500-seat stadium named Generali Stadium, which will replace the iconic San Siro from the 2031/32 season. The €1.2 billion project is expected to begin construction in 2028, with the new venue designed to bring spectators closer to the pitch, improve acoustics and create a more intense atmosphere. The stadium will also host American football games, rugby matches and concerts.

The clubs acquired the existing stadium and its surrounding parking areas for €197 million and plan to build their shared home on the site. Designed by architects Norman Foster and David Manica, the new facility will have a slightly smaller capacity than the current 75,000-seat San Siro, which opened in 1926. The existing stadium, also known as the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, is expected to be largely demolished as construction of the replacement nears completion.

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