Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    The Nigeria Police have identified the Lakurawa terrorist group as the perpetrators behind recent explosions in Zamfara State.

     According to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan, the local bandits operating in the state lack the skills to create or use explosive devices.  

    On Wednesday, a deadly blast along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area claimed the life of a motorist and left three others injured. 

    The Police Commissioner revealed that the incident occurred when the terrorists, dislodged from Sokoto and Kebbi by military forces, were moving towards Birnin-Gwari forest. 

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    In their retreat, they planted a bomb under a bridge, which detonated as the vehicle passed.  

    Dalijan stated that this marked a new challenge for the region, as bomb attacks were previously unheard of in Zamfara.

     He confirmed that reports of the Lakurawa group’s movements near the area tied them directly to the incident.

  • Borno Dep. Gov Escapes Engine Fire Disaster on Max Air Flight  

    Borno Dep. Gov Escapes Engine Fire Disaster on Max Air Flight  

    Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly avoided an aircraft fire disaster on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    The incident happened when a Max Air flight encountered an engine fire caused by a bird strike shortly after taking off from Maiduguri International Airport.  

    The flight, headed to Abuja, experienced the issue around 7 p.m., about 10 minutes into the journey. 

    The bird strike damaged one of the engines, forcing the pilot to return the plane to Maiduguri for an emergency landing.  

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    While passengers were visibly shaken, Max Air promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to complete the trip later that night.

     Some passengers, however, chose to abandon their travel plans.  

    The damaged aircraft remains at Maiduguri Airport for repairs.

     Authorities assured travelers of their dedication to maintaining safety standards.

  • EFCC Denies finding $800m and ₦700b in Bello El-Rufai’s Home  

    EFCC Denies finding $800m and ₦700b in Bello El-Rufai’s Home  

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the public to disregard the claim that it uncovered a stock of cash in the kaduna home of Honorable Bello El Rufai.

    Describing it as “baseless and misleading”, the commision said it is totally untrue that its operatives found a stock of cash totalling $800million and N700billion.

    It also denies the claim of discovering drugs valued N1trillion at the Kaduna residence of Bello, the son of Malam Nasir El Rugai, the former governor of Kaduna state.

    In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the commission labeled the reports as baseless and misleading.

    Bello El Rufai who is currently serving as a member of the House of Representatives has also dismissed the story as completely untrue.

    He clarified that he does not own any private residence in Kaduna aside from his family home in Unguwar Sarki, where he has lived since childhood.  

    He described the accusations as an intentional act to tarnish his image and spread confusion among the public. 

    It was claimed in the rumour that these discoveries were made during an operation in Kaduna State, sparking widespread public reactions.  

    The EFCC has urged citizens to disregard the false information.

  • NAF Acquires 63 New Aircraft in Three Years

    NAF Acquires 63 New Aircraft in Three Years

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted its fleet with the acquisition of 63 new aircraft over the last three years. 

    This was announced by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during the 2024 @NgAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar held in Abuja.

     The fleet renewal was made possible with the backing of President Bola Tinubu, according to Abubakar.

    In the past year alone, @NgAF has received 12 advanced aircraft, including KA-360i and DA-62 planes, as well as T-129 and AW-109 Trekker helicopters. 

    Further deliveries are expected by the end of 2024, including additional helicopters and aircraft. 

    Looking ahead to 2025, NAF anticipates the arrival of 64 new aircraft, which include AW-109 Trekker helicopters, M-346FA jets, and AH-1Z attack helicopters.

    Additionally, the NAF has secured 12 second-hand A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force, with plans to restore half to operational status and use the remainder for parts.

    Abubakar also shared that between June 2023 and September 2024, the NAF completed 8,665 missions and 15,915 flying hours. 

    He recognized the leadership of Air Component Commanders and emphasized the importance of building on these achievements.

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  • South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa is exploring opportunities to work with Nigeria on utilizing its lithium resources to boost the electric vehicle (EV) sector. 

    President Ramaphosa shared this vision during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, emphasizing the potential of Nigeria’s lithium reserves in supporting the green energy transition. 

    He called for increased collaboration between the private sector and development finance institutions to enhance infrastructure and manufacturing for the EV industry.

    Ramaphosa also highlighted the opportunity for joint efforts in the pharmaceutical sector and clean energy industries, as both nations are well-positioned to benefit from these growing sectors. 

    South Africa’s investment in renewable energy and green technologies is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, as part of a broader effort to move toward a low-carbon economy.

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    Additionally, South Africa expressed strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20. Ramaphosa reiterated this during his meeting with Nigerian President Tinubu, underscoring the importance of amplifying Africa’s presence in global economic discussions. 

    He also mentioned that Africa, through the African Union’s recent G20 membership, is gaining recognition, and further inclusion of key African nations will strengthen the continent’s voice in global affairs.

  • Police Denies IGP Involvement in Alleged Money Smuggling Scheme

    Police Denies IGP Involvement in Alleged Money Smuggling Scheme

    Even though it failed to commence investigation on an incident that occurred over a year ago, the Nigeria Police Force denies protecting a cartel that is allegedly involved in smuggling money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Pressured by the weight of public opinion, the police has rejected claims linking Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to the alleged cartel.

     According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reports suggesting that the IGP was protecting those responsible are false.

    The controversy stems from an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023.

     Four officers, including DSP Peter Ejike and Inspector Esther Okafor, allegedly extorted ₦43,160,000 from an individual, Andrew Ejah, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.

     After unlawfully detaining Ejah, the officers claimed to have seized only ₦31,790,000 and sought a cut from the money in exchange for suppressing the case.

    READ ALSO: NBA Condemns Abduction of Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police

    Following an investigation prompted by a complaint from the money’s owners, the officers were found guilty of corruption, misconduct, and tampering with evidence. 

    Adejobi emphasized that these officers, who had attempted to cover up their actions by spreading false claims, have been suspended and will face prosecution.

    What observers query in Mr. Adejobi’s explanation is why the NPF is yet to commence investigation on the incident that occurred over a year ago on August 26, 2023.

    The Police force has urged the public and media not to propagate misinformation aimed at damaging the reputation of the IGP and to instead focus on the ongoing efforts to address corruption within the force.

  • NBA Condemns Abduction of Dele Farotimi by the Police

    NBA Condemns Abduction of Dele Farotimi by the Police

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong disapproval over the recent arrest of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian Police on allegations of libel.

     In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, NBA President Afam Osigwe criticized the reported police actions, including the invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the alleged harassment of his staff and colleagues.

    Osigwe pointed out that libel, the alleged offense in this case, is not classified as a criminal offense under Lagos State law.

     He noted that the 2011 Criminal Law of Lagos State decriminalized defamation, shifting it to a civil matter. This move aligns with global practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong.

    The NBA also expressed concern over the police’s conduct, highlighting that their authority must be exercised within legal limits, especially when investigating matters that do not constitute criminal offenses under Nigerian law.

    PLEASE READ: Lakurawa, Insecurity in the Sahel: Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges

     Furthermore, the seizure of phones and harassment of employees at Farotimi’s law firm raised alarms about the protection of legal professionals’ rights and the sanctity of legal practice.

    The NBA has called for Farotimi’s immediate release, asserting that his arrest has no legal grounds in Lagos State, and demanded accountability for the actions at his law office.

     They urged law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and the principles of justice in their operations.

  • Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations by Amnesty International claiming the use of excessive force and illegal arrests during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. 

    According to a statement from the Force, these claims are inaccurate and contradict reports submitted by police commands involved in managing the protests.  

    The police maintained that officers followed strict guidelines throughout the demonstrations, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while addressing violent situations with specialized units.

     The Inspector-General of Police had instructed officers to avoid using arms unless protests escalated into violent riots threatening lives or property.  

    READ ALSO: Full List: Amnesty International Identifies 24 Protesters Killed During August Protest

    Officials also clarified that arrests were focused on individuals engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson. 

    The Force emphasized that detainees were treated lawfully, and no protester fatalities were caused by police actions.  

    In a reconciliatory move, the Federal Government has pardoned those arrested during the protests, furthering efforts to foster national unity.

  • FG Commences Free CNG Bus Service in Abuja  

    FG Commences Free CNG Bus Service in Abuja  

    The federal government has rolled out a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja, offering temporary relief to commuters grappling with high transportation expenses. 

    The service officially started operations on December 2, 2024.  

    The buses are operating along key routes, connecting suburban areas like Mararaba to central locations such as Eagle Square and Berger bus stop.

    READ ALSO: INNOSON Begins Delivery of CNG Buses to the FG

     Passengers can enjoy free rides for 40 days, with the initiative set to conclude on January 6, 2025.  

    This move is part of ongoing efforts to provide cost-effective transportation solutions while promoting cleaner energy alternatives. 

  • Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    A fire broke out early Monday morning, consuming the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. 

    The blaze, which started around 3:30 a.m. after power was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, spread quickly before help could arrive.

     While the exact cause is not yet confirmed, locals speculate that an electrical malfunction could be to blame.

    Residents were among the first to spot the fire, with one eyewitness noting the chaotic scene. 

    Despite attempts to reach the Federal Fire Service and local responders, it was a fire truck from Dunamis Church that arrived first. 

    Other teams from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Sauka Station followed shortly after.

    By 5:30 a.m., the flames were under control, but the damage was done. As of now, the total loss and the number of affected traders are still unknown, though cleanup efforts have begun. 

    This is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the estate, as it had previously been flooded in June 2023.