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Category: News

  • Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    The Katsina police command has confirmed that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. 

    Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu announced this in a statement on Sunday.

    “We are aware of a misleading report making the rounds, especially on Facebook, that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori and killed 40 people. The command wishes to categorically debunk this claim as misleading and set the record straight,” the police statement said.

    It added, “On May 25, 2024, bandits launched an attack on Unguwar Lamido village in Bakori where they shot and killed 11 people. The Divisional Police Officer in Bakori, on receiving the information, quickly mobilised operatives and rushed to the scene where they successfully restored normalcy and prevented further losses.”

    The command urged the public to disregard the false report, warned against circulating unverified news, and advised them to always verify information through official channels before sharing, as the spread of false information could cause panic, fear, and unnecessary tension.

    “The commissioner has also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and deployed additional personnel to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators. The commissioner has also urged anyone with useful information that will assist the investigation to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “The investigation is ongoing; the command is working closely with relevant stakeholders and members of the community to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the police command said.

  • Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    The Nigerian Army has clarified that contrary to claims, it is not involved in enforcing any court order related to the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle.

    Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified in a statement on X that the troops are not engaged in the emirate dispute.

    He said instead, the Army has taken proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order that might arise from the conflict.

    “The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors.

    “The military would imminently intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.

    “All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general,” the statement reads in part.

  • Obasanjo proffers solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes

    Obasanjo proffers solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes

    Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ramp up activities around production and productivity to tackle Nigeria’s economic woes.

    Obasanjo disclosed this in a statement by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, quoting the ex-president as having spoken at a Colloquium: “Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity” delivered at the Paul Aje Colloquium (PAC) in Abuja.

    Obasanjo blamed fuel subsidy removal, the Harmonization of foreign exchange markets and dealing with a military coup in Niger for Nigeria’s economic hardship.

    However, as a solution, the former President said the government should focus on production, noting that there is no shortcut to economic progress.

    “The way forward is production and productivity, which belief and trust in government leadership will engender. No shortcut to economic progress but hard work and sweat.

    “The economy does not obey orders, not even military orders. I know that. If we get it right, we will begin to see the light beyond the tunnel in two years. It requires a change of characteristics, attributes and attitude by the leadership at all levels to gain the confidence and trust of investors who have alternatives,” he said.

    Recall that in June last year, Tinubu’s administration announced fuel subsidy removal and the Harmonization of Foreign exchange markets.

    In April, fuel pump price surged by 176.02 per cent on a year-on-year basis to N701.24 per litre compared to N255.06 last year.

    Similarly, the country’s Naira dropped to N1482.81 per dollar last Friday from N465.50 per dollar on June 14, 2023.

    This development has led to a surge in prices of goods and services, as headline and food inflation increased to 33.69 per cent and 40.53 per cent, respectively.

  • Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts have emerged about the Ajayi Crowther University Student who was tortured to death by colleagues recently.

    An activist from Warri Kingdom in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, identified as ‘Lord Of Warri’ has revealed that a student of Ajayi Crowther University killed by fellow students was a prince.

    He identified the deceased student as Prince Alex Timileyi of Warri Kingdom.

    In an open letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and posted on his X page, the activist called on the governor to ensure those who tortured Alex to death are brought to justice.

    His letter is titled, ‘Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.’

    In the letter, he identified the deceased as “the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom”.

    He said, “This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

    “While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation.

    “The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable.

    “No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”

    He noted that according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, “with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence”.

    He said, “However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.

    “Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served.

    “The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same.

    “Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”

    “Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice,” added.

    Meanwhile, the university management in a statement credited to its spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said the group of students who assaulted the deceased had been expelled.

    He added that the students had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

    “Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.

    “It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” Atoyebi said.

  • Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi has initiated a three-day mourning period following the tragic loss of two students to kidnappers.

    Registrar Olufunke Hudson conveyed this somber announcement in a statement released on Sunday.

    The victims, identified as James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, were both first-year students studying Information Technology and Software Engineering, respectively.

    They were among the group of students abducted on May 9 while preparing for their upcoming examinations scheduled to commence on May 13.

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of security operatives and local hunters, twenty-one students have been successfully rescued from captivity.

    Ms Hudson said, “It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH is mourning our beloved slain students. Consequently, all activities in the university are to be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”

    The registrar said the university management shared in the grief of the families and colleagues of the deceased students. She urged the parents, other family members, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the deceased students to take solace in God.

    According to her, the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining students from their abductors.

    “Governor Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the students are released safely. We, therefore, urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying,” said the statement.

  • Confusion as NSA Nuhu Ribadu reportedly orders return of Emir Bayero

    Confusion as NSA Nuhu Ribadu reportedly orders return of Emir Bayero

    The traditional leadership crisis in Kano State has taken a new twist as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has reportedly ordered the reinstatement of HRH Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. 

    Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, revealed this in an interview with journalists in Kano

    The National Security Adviser’s directive to return Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir directly contradicts the actions taken by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently signed a law reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi II and abolishing the five additional emirate councils.

    Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam expressed the administration’s confusion and concern over the federal directive. 

    “National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu ordered the return of HRH Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano, we’re confused,” he stated.

    Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment Number 2) Law, 2024, which aimed to consolidate the emirate system under Kano and reinstate Sanusi II, who was deposed in 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Heavy security presence has been reported at the Kano Emir’s Palace as the state government prepares to support Sanusi II’s return.

  • AGF Explains Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Still In Court – AGF …says FG convicted 250 terrorism, criminal cases

    AGF Explains Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Still In Court – AGF …says FG convicted 250 terrorism, criminal cases

    Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Friday, maintained the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is very difficult, requested it is left to court.

    Also, the Federal Government, revealed that it prosecuted and convicted 250 terrorism and criminal offenses in various courts across the country.

    The AGF made this revelation, Friday, at the Sectoral Ministerial briefing to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    Fielding questions from the press, the minister explained that there is a remarkable difference between Kanu’s case and that of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.

    He said, “Sowore and Kanu are not the same. When it comes to the first one, I didn’t have difficulty to say go, but I have difficulty with the second one.

    “The matter is still in court, let’s wait for the court”.

    Sowore was arrested in 2019 and prosecuted for allegedly calling for the forceful take over of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    However, the federal government through the office of the AGF in February this year filed a notice of discontinuation of the case.

    Breaking down the achievements of justice ministry in the year under review, Fagbemi said the FG has secured 160 convictions for criminal offences, 87 convictions for terrorism cases, 3 novel convictions in the last one year for extremist terrorism actors involved in the radicalization of children and violence against women.

    He hinted on enhanced interagency synergy for prosecution of Maritime Cases, Electricity offences, collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders on cybersecurity protection and cybercrime prosecution.

    Following the Ministry’s intervention for the upgrade of facilities designated for trial of terrorism cases, Fagbemi said the Ministry has resumed trials of terrorism cases in conjunction with the Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders.

    “The percentages of terrorism cases initiated and corruption cases concluded within the reporting period has been significant,” the Justice Minister said.

    Speaking on the development of the proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Regulation, 2024, by the Ministry, the AGF said the objective of the regulation which is being developed with relevant agencies is to ensure transparency, accountability and standardization in the management of recovered assets, in line with global best practices.

    “This document is being finalized for validation, the AGF said.

    On terrorism financing and other transnational crimes, the AGF stated that the Tinubu administration has facilitated international cooperation and secured conviction of 13 terrorism financing cases, and have also concluded 150 mutual legal assistance requests and 12 extradition requests from law enforcement agencies and foreign countries.

    “The Ministry places priority on enhancing the prosecutorial and litigation capacity of its staff, to this end it organized capacity building programmes to improve knowledge on various aspects of the law including Darknet and Cryptocurrencies applied to terrorism financing, investigation and prosecution of financial and wildlife crimes in Nigeria.

    “The coordination of the effective implementation of the National Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Proliferation Financing (AML/CPF) Strategy 2023 – 2027 is also a top priority for the Ministry, the AGF said.

    On the fight against corruption, the Minister submitted that the present administration has achieved successes under its international asset recovery and management efforts.

    The asset sharing agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Bailiwick of Jersey was signed in February 2024, for the return of £2,125,944 (Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Four GBP) proceeds of corruption, the AGF revealed.

    “This has been approved by the President to be utilized, for continuation of works on the Abuja-Kano Road project” Fagbemi said.

    On the Glencore settlement, the Justice Minister said the Ministry on behalf of Nigeria on April 25, 2024, concluded negotiation of a settlement agreement with Glencore International A.G. wherein the firm is expected to pay the sum of $50 million USD as penalty and compensation for certain activities in Nigeria.

  • Governor Abba Yusuf Reacts As Court Stops Him From Reinstating Sanusi 

    Governor Abba Yusuf Reacts As Court Stops Him From Reinstating Sanusi 

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has vowed to report what he described as the abuse of court orders to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

    He said this while reacting to the court order which restrained the reinstatement of Sanusi and restrained the dethronement of five Emirs in the state.

    Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, had granted an interim injunction restraining the Inspector General of police, Kano state police commissioner, Nigeria security and civil defense corps NSCDC and the department of state service DSS from enforcing, executing, implementing or operationalizing the Kano state emirate council (repeal) law.

    The judge granted the order based on a motion filed by Aminu Babba Danagundi who held the title Sarkin Dawaki Babba.

    But speaking shortly after issuing the reinstatement letter to Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II at Africa House, Kano State Government House, on Friday, Yusuf said, “The person that issued the court order was in America but he is ordering us to stop what we are doing. This issue of abuse I must present before the Governor’s Forum so that we can tackle it accordingly.

    “We are agents of following due process, that’s why we did what we did openly before everybody. Those that are meant to maintain that rule of law remains must follow that also.”

  • Protesters Storm Villa, NASS Over Reinstatement Of Sanusi As Kano Emir

    Protesters Storm Villa, NASS Over Reinstatement Of Sanusi As Kano Emir

    Protesters marched to the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday, demanding President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Kano Emirate conflict.

    The protesters, marching peacefully, carried banners highlighting their concerns about the escalating situation in Kano.

    They called on President Tinubu to use his authority to resolve the crisis and ensure the restoration of peace and stability in the State.

    The State Assembly passed a bill titled, ‘The Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024’, which dissolved the establishment of the additional emirates.

    This made way for the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II on Thursday by Governor Yusuf, four years after he was dethroned by a former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje.

    The protesters, under the banner of the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria, accused Governor Yusuf of escalating his abuse of office by dissolving the traditional council.

    The coordinator, Abdullahi Muhammed Saleh said, “A lot had been going wrong in the state but the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria had thought it best to allow Kano state to sort out its thorny issues. However, Thursday’s brash actions of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who sacked five emirs to reappoint Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano has awoken us to the urgency of raising the alarm about the destructive excesses of the state governor.

    “Since being sworn into office, Governor Abba Yusuf has a string of loutish acts that run like a hardened criminal’s rap sheet. All in the name of rubbishing his predecessor, he started with a demolition spree that has served to impoverish the people whose lives he took an oath to improve. Thus he proved himself to be anti-people.

    “The Governor then attempted to destroy the structures of political parties in the state. The impish fanaticism with which he pursued this illicit mission saw him intruding into the structure of other political parties, including hiring some charlatans who purportedly suspended the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who is interestingly his predecessor. Thus he proved himself to be anti-democratic.

    “This latest stunt of sacking five emirs to install his acolyte was achieved by manipulating the Kano State House of Assembly, which he had successfully turned into a rubber stamp for endorsing his illegal acts. He has eroded the autonomy guaranteed by the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “It is inconceivable that any right-thinking person will descend low to the point of manipulating the traditional institution for political gimmicks. The humiliation meted out to the five emirs was most unbecoming and we have cause to believe that Abba Yusuf has set the stage for using the traditional institution as ancient and as esteemed as that of Kano for a political seesaw will continue since his successor will revert to the five emirates. The Kano governor has thus proven himself to be the anti-traditional institution leader.”

    The protesters criticized Governor Yusuf’s actions as unreasonable and detrimental to a civilized society, urging him to stop undermining Kano’s peace.

    They condemned the NNPP-dominated Kano State House of Assembly for being a rubber stamp for the governor’s actions, warning that their desperation could destabilize the city and the country.

    They appealed to President Tinubu to urgently intervene in the Kano Emirate crisis to prevent further deterioration and ensure peace is restored.

  • Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sanctioned the urgent recruitment of doctors, nurses, consultants, and other healthcare professionals to address staffing shortages in the state’s health sector.

    The announcement was made by Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Hospitals Management Board, following a meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ibadan.

     This decision comes in response to an indefinite strike initiated by the NANNM on May 21, due to unmet demands from the state government.

    Fagbemi emphasized the importance of this recruitment drive, noting it will significantly alleviate the current workforce deficit in hospitals and healthcare centers across Oyo State. 

    He praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to transparency and accountability in the health sector, which are vital for delivering quality healthcare services.

    “The governor’s approval for the immediate recruitment of additional healthcare professionals is a crucial step towards resolving the staffing crisis and enhancing healthcare delivery in our state,” Fagbemi stated.