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Category: News

  • Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    In Kaduna State’s capital, Kaduna, tensions flared as police clashed with Shiite protesters, leading to a state of pandemonium and unrest. 

    The confrontation unfolded as members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) gathered for a procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. 

    Despite the Federal Government’s ban on the group’s activities, the protesters persisted, prompting a response from law enforcement. 

    Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in a frantic scramble among residents and shop owners to seek safety. 

    According to Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, the IMN members allegedly brandished dangerous weapons and attacked both civilians and police officers. 

    Several individuals sustained injuries in the skirmish. 

    The police have since made arrests of suspects allegedly in possession of weapons and have vowed to prosecute them following investigations. 

  • Nigeria records 1,580 human rights violations in March alone – NHRC

    Nigeria records 1,580 human rights violations in March alone – NHRC

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday revealed that the country recorded 1,580 human rights violations in the six geopolitical zones in the March alone.

    The rights violations included killings , kidnapping, domestic violence , abductions, and children’s rights, among others.

    According to the Commission, North Central topped the list of the complaints of human rights violations recorded with 468 cases.

    The senior human rights advicer, Mr Hilary Ogbona, made this known at the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Abuja.

    At the presentation of the findings attended by the Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission and Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Ogbona explained that the police, military, and Department of State Service DSS grouped as state actors recorded 94 rights violations cases.

    The human rights adviser who explained that the killings of the military and police personnel in Delta State formed part of the report revealed that 542 cases of violation of children’s rights were also recorded during the period.

    Besides, Ogbona explained that domestic violence, which he said was becoming too rampant in some parts of the country, had 471 cases recorded.

    He said that the non state actors and private actors have 32 and 36 respectively while 3 cases of violation of rights were recorded against disabled people.

    According to him, other sectors, including social economic and cultural rights, accounted for 157, while referred cases were put at 24.

    He said that killings and kidnapping accounted for 499, while another 71 violations of rights to life were also recorded by the commission during the period.

    Ogbonna said that the 1,580 human rights violations were the entire figures recorded in the 36 states offices of the commission and Abuja.

    Expressing worry over the increasing cases of human rights violation, Ogbonna said that about 301 school children were abducted in kaduna state alone while 40 people were killed in Benue state.

    He expressed dismay that rights to life were being violated in various ways and manner because four deaths were recorded in Nassarawa State during the sharing of palliative.

    He then called for restraint on both State and Private Actors, adding that reprisal attacks contributed to the recorded rights violations.

    Ogbona also appealed to police and military to always conduct their investigations in compliance with the rules of engagement and rule of laws as provided for in the national and international laws.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Commission Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

    He promised to partner with other stakeholders, including the government, in the bid to step up efforts to protect lives and properties and in ensuring downward size in the violations of human rights.

    The NHRC monthly dashboard aimed at making the human rights situation public is supported by the United Nations Development Program, the Office of the United Nations High Commission for human rights, and others.

  • Abuse of Naira: Court convicts Bobrisky, gives judgement April 9

    Abuse of Naira: Court convicts Bobrisky, gives judgement April 9

    The federal high court sitting in Lagos, Friday convicted controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for abusing the Naira.

    Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted him after the review of the facts of the case.

    The judge also ordered that he should be returned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody pending the judgment on April 9th, 2024.

    Bobrisky had, in his defense, told the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the naira.

    He said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers.

    The court, in its ruling, held that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

    He said, “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.

    “I would do a video on my page, and I will educate people about spraying money.

    “I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.”

    Earlier, Bobrisky was arraigned on four counts of naira abuse preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The cross-dresser who refers to himself as “Mummy of Lagos” pleaded guilty to the charges.

  • Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers 

    Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers 

    The Nigeria Police Force has announced the promotion of over 10,000 junior officers across various cadres. 

    Under the directive of Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 10,581 deserving officers from the Inspectorate Cadre and the Rank and File have been elevated.

    The promotion process, spearheaded by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration and the Commissioner of Police (Welfare), is set to commence promptly, as confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    The breakdown of promotions includes 9,831 Police Constables advancing to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals promoted to Sergeant, and 669 officers progressing from Sergeant to Inspector.

    Emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and career advancement, the Inspector General highlighted the role of timely promotions in boosting officer morale and overall effectiveness.

    He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based promotions, underscoring its significance in ongoing manpower development initiatives.

    The Nigeria Police Force extended congratulations to all officers slated for promotion, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation.

  • IBEDC Restores Power to UCH After 16-Day Blackout

    IBEDC Restores Power to UCH After 16-Day Blackout

    University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has finally regained electricity after enduring a 16-day blackout due to a disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). 

    The disconnection was a result of an outstanding debt amounting to N495 million, accumulated over six years.

    The power restoration, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Thursday, came after the hospital management took steps to address the issue. 

    Part of the debt, totaling N80 million, was paid, and an agreement was reached with IBEDC on a repayment plan for the remaining amount.

    During the blackout period, the hospital faced significant challenges, with workers resorting to rechargeable lamps to attend to patients. 

    Many wards operated at minimal capacity, leading to patient discharges, while critical cases were still admitted, albeit with difficulties.

    In response to the outage, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had previously announced limited working hours for staff, citing the lack of electricity as a major hindrance to their duties. 

    However, with power now restored, normal operations are expected to resume fully.

  • Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport

    Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport

    The Nigerian Government has rolled out plans to begin the local production of international passports in the country.
    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a post via his official X handle on Wednesday night.

    Tunni-Ojo revealed that he met with a local technology company that presented a proposal for localizing international passport production.

    “Today, I had a meeting with an indigenous technology company presenting a proposal on localizing our international passport production,” he wrote.

    The production of international passports by Nigeria in other countries appears to be constituting a delay in the process of acquiring the document.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) unveiled the fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024.

    With this, applicants, including Nigerians in the diaspora, are expected to enjoy a seamless experience registering for new passports and renewing expired ones.

    In another development, Tunji-Ojo recently convened a brainstorming session with the Ministry of Interior’s technical partners, top immigration officers, and ministry officials.

    The minister said the mission is to revolutionize the visa application process, particularly for short-stay visitors, so that Nigeria can streamline procedures, reduce stress, and enhance accessibility through automation.

    “It is my belief that by fostering a more welcoming environment for tourists eager to explore our vibrant culture and rich artistic heritage, we are on another step towards achieving the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

  • US Embassy Warns Citizens in Nigeria Over Shiites Protest

    US Embassy Warns Citizens in Nigeria Over Shiites Protest

    The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens residing in the country regarding an impending nationwide protest organized by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as Shiites.

    Scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2024, the protest is anticipated to primarily take place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The embassy highlighted potential risks associated with the demonstrations, including roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and potential clashes between protestors and Nigerian security forces.

    While specific details such as timing and exact locations remain unspecified, the US embassy indicated potential protest sites based on past demonstrations, including prominent areas in Abuja such as Bannex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, and various mosques.

    In light of the security concerns, the embassy advised its citizens to exercise caution, avoid the protest areas, monitor local media for updates, steer clear of crowds, and maintain awareness of their surroundings. 

    Additionally, residents were urged to review their personal security plans and ensure their cell phones are charged in case of emergencies, while carrying proper identification at all times.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has assured residents of adequate security measures during the protest and beyond, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.

  • Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community

    Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community

    Suspected Fulani gunmen, early Friday morning, invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, killing scores.

    The marauders who are fully armed surrounded the community and opened fire, killing and burning houses.

    A community leader, who escaped by the whiskers, but pleaded to remain anonymous, spoke with our correspondent, saying they were caught unawares.

    He revealed that 27 corpses have been recovered as of the time of filing this report, while some local vigilante men have moved into the bush looking for missing persons.

    He explained that rumour has been rife in the past three weeks of the possible invasion which was brought to the attention of the recently appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo, but they were assured of safety and protection.

    He said: “There was a misunderstanding between a young man in Agojeju-Odo with a Fulani herder on his farm after cattles ate up his yam tubers which resulted in a fight; the caretaker chairman intervened.

    “Since then, the herders vowed that they will mobilize and get back and there has been apprehension,” the source said.

    Speaking with Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, he confirmed the attack, but said the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted the tactical squad to the scene to restore normalcy.

    According to him, the tactical squad which comprises Mobile Police, Soldiers and Vigilante men were drafted after a distress call and they are currently on ground.

    The Police Spokesman could not confirm the figure of dead persons, while he promised to get back after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Omala Local Government Council.

    “As for the figure of dead persons, I can’t confirm now. I will call you after I have spoken with the DPO in charge of Omala, but I know that so many people sustained gunshot injuries,” he said.

  • NERC Sanctions AEDC for Misapplying New Electricity Tariff 

    NERC Sanctions AEDC for Misapplying New Electricity Tariff 

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for incorrectly implementing the new electricity tariffs in the nation’s capital.

    In response to numerous complaints from Abuja residents, NERC has fined AEDC a sum of N200 million and instructed the company to refund affected customers who were wrongly billed.

    According to NERC, the tariff adjustment was intended for customers classified under Band A, who typically receive approximately 20 hours of electricity per day. However, residents in other bands were also subjected to the increased charges when attempting to purchase electricity units.

    Although AEDC has issued an apology and attributed the situation to an error, NERC’s sanctions underscore the importance of accurate billing practices and consumer protection in the electricity sector.

  • Fraud, Bribery Allegation: Kano government sues Ganduje, wife, others

    Fraud, Bribery Allegation: Kano government sues Ganduje, wife, others

    The Kano State government has dragged the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, and others to court for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor.

    The eight-count charges, according to the government, are offences contravening the state Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008.

    The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or projects for the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent)”.

    Other defendants in the case are Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of September 2020 and March 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3rd Defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd Defendant being monies earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991,” part of the charge sheet reads

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sometime between the period of September 2020 and January 2022 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, while entrusted with the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) or dominion over the said sum, earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment dishonestly misappropriated and/or converted the said sum to your own use through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd defendant, thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant (Umar Abdullahi Umar) being your biological son using 6th defendant (Lamash Properties Ltd) a company owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit of all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPD/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsorily acquired by you being the Governor of Kano State from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) where it was sold and the proceed part of which the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. Domicile at Access Bank where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant to the detriment of the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant Umar Abdullahi Umar, being your biological son using 6th defendant Lamash Properties Ltd a company substantially owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPDA/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsory acquired by you as a governor of Kano state from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) which was sold and the proceeds, the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. 7816362026 Domicile at FCMB where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and read together with section 79 and punishable under section 312 of The Penal Code (as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”

    The state government said a forensic expert would analyse the video, showing the former governor receiving dollar notes from a contractor.

    Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023.

    In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit

    The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video.

    In 2023, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning over the incident in the video.

    The former governor did not honour the invitation and instead instituted a suit against the agency.

    In March, a federal high court in Kano stopped the agency from inviting or questioning Ganduje over the bribery allegations.

    The court ruled that the agency lacks the power to invite or investigate Ganduje over the allegations.

    Abdullahi Liman, the presiding judge, said the alleged infraction is a federal offence that can not be prosecuted by the state anti-graft agency.