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Category: Governance

  • Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza in Borno State has surrendered.

    Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, on Friday, revealed that the terrorist surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

    Before surrendering, the terrorist had been responsible for a series of attacks and killings, including the slaughtering of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and environs.

    The monarch told journalists that, “We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East.

    “He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

    “Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs.”

  • OPL 245 Saga: Mohammed Adoke discharged, acquitted

    OPL 245 Saga: Mohammed Adoke discharged, acquitted

    Abubakar Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court, has dismissed and acquitted the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Bello Adoke, of the charges of fraud, bribery and conspiracy brought against him by the federal government.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Adoke on alleged N300 million bribe said to have been given to Adoke.

    This is expected to finally bring litigation over the OPL 245 saga to an end.

    The court ruled that the EFCC did not provide any evidence to prove its case.

    Ruling on the “no case” submission made by Adoke, Kutigi said the EFCC failed to prove its charges of fraud, bribery and money laundering and ruled that the defendant has no case to answer.
    Consequently, he discharged and acquitted the former minister on all counts.

    The judge said the allegation of illegal tax waivers granted to Shell and Eni was not collaborated by the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) or any authority in government.

    Nigeria has now lost virtually all the cases it filed or joined in Italy, the UK and Nigeria.

    The EFCC had earlier conceded that it did not have sufficient evidence to oppose the applications by Adoke.

    Meanwhile, the court insisted that Rasky Gbinigie had a case to answer over the alleged forgery of company documents to remove the name of Mohammed Abacha as a director.

  • Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    In what seems like a shocking appeal similar to that of Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, says bandits terrorising the country ought to be given promising future. 

    The ex-minister also implores the Tinubu-led administration to negotiate with the bandits, stressing that they are able-bodied men who should be retained by the federal government. 

    The former minister stated this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.

    “If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future. Let us retain them. Many of them are very intelligent, many of them are able-bodied,” Shittu said.

    The ex-minister said the millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria are a “production factory for banditry” in the country.

    This is coming when controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had urged the federal government to negotiate with bandits.

    Recall that popular controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi had warned President Tinubu against toeing the path of former President Muhammadu Buhari who refused to negotiate with bandits, while urging the president to hire him in negotiating with bandits.

  • Security forces kill bandit leader who shot down military helicopter

    Security forces kill bandit leader who shot down military helicopter

    Security forces have reportedly killed an infamous bandit leader Dogo Gide, behind several attacks, including the shooting of a military helicopter.

    Dogo Gide passed away as a result of gunshot injuries sustained during a clash with Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) forces.

    The encounter took place in the challenging landscape of Madada forest within the Maru local government area on March 12, 2024.

    Despite suffering serious injuries, Dogo Gide was said to have been covertly taken to a hospital in Mabera, Sokoto, Sokoto State, where he eventually passed away.

    Dogo Gide, a notorious fugitive sought for his series of heinous crimes in the area, was laid to rest in Dandalla Village on March 24.

    His appearance at the hospital was supposedly made easier by a security official who is currently detained, prompting concerns about potential cooperation within the security forces.

  • Details Of Sheikh Gumi’s Meeting With FG Emerge

    Details Of Sheikh Gumi’s Meeting With FG Emerge

    The details of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s meeting with security agencies over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country has emerged.

    Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, revealed that Gumi had been invited over some of his remarks. 

    The minister said Gumi was not above the law and would be interrogated if security agencies deemed his comments reckless.

    This comes after Gumi continued his advocacy for amnesty for bandits in a recent radio interview, saying that many took to banditry because of alleged neglect and marginalisation from the government.

    The cleric has been photographed with various bandit groups on numerous occasions, while some Nigerians have called on security agencies to arrest him over his alleged ties with terrorist groups.

    In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi said he had a productive interaction with security agencies who invited him over his alleged connections with bandits.

    The cleric stated that his meeting with the security agents centred on how to curb banditry in the North West region of the country.

    Gumi said there was no cause for alarm and thanked well-wishers and journalists who called to check on him.

    He wrote: “Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.

    “Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying — each in his own sphere — to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.

    “We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace.”

  • Presidency Disowns Viral List Of New Nigerian Ambassadors, Designations 

    Presidency Disowns Viral List Of New Nigerian Ambassadors, Designations 

    The Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has described as fake news a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors.

    A purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors and their assigned countries went viral on social media on Tuesday.

    In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Tinubu’s aide said the names in circulation are merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list.

    Olusegun added that most of those mentioned in the fake list have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

    He wrote: “The alleged LIST OF NEW NIGERIAN AMBASSADORS AND THEIR ASSIGNED COUNTRIES circulating online is fake.

    “This list is merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list, where most of the individuals mentioned have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

    “A few names on the list are even inaccurate, and some have sadly passed away. One must question the sudden emergence of this stale list at this time.

    “Therefore, it is imperative to disregard and treat this list with utter contempt.”

    Recall that President Tinubu had, on September 2nd, 2023, recalled all career and non-career ambassadors manning the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates globally.

  • IPOB: Kanu’s family insists he needs cardiologist

    IPOB: Kanu’s family insists he needs cardiologist

    The family of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has
    raised fresh concern over his continued failing health, saying he needs urgent medical attention to avert a major health crisis.

    This is as the family sought to know those benefiting from the alleged whopping N800 million that the Federal Government spends as the cost of bringing him to court any time he is to make appearance.

    Spokesman of the family, Prince Emmanuel Kanu in a statement on Sunday said the family heard that the Federal Government spent N800 million each time he was brought to court.

    His words:” Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has finally become a money-minting venture for a few corrupt individuals in the corridors of power.

    “We heard that Government spends N800 million each time he is brought to court. Then, we want to know who the beneficiaries of the said money are?

    “Government should tell the people who collects and spends the money, and on what.

    “Our fear is that if it’s true that such humongous amount of money were spent on bringing him to court any time he is to appear, then it may be impossible to grant him bail any time soon because the cabal benefiting from his continued incarceration may not be willing to let go of their oil well.”

    The family which recently berated the Igbo political class for allegedly abandoning their son, expressed deep worry over his health condition.

    “We just got information that he is critically down. He has not been granted access to his personal doctors, and he urgently needs cardiologist. He should not be allowed to die in DSS custody”.

    The family, once again, called on the international community, to prevail on Nigeria to release the IPOB Leader who, it said, “is unjustly held for demanding the freedom of his Biafra people “.

    Kanu has remained in a solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services, (DSS), since June 21 when he was abducted and extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya.

  • Kaduna Governor, Sani Speaks On Gumi’s Involvement in School children’s Release

    Kaduna Governor, Sani Speaks On Gumi’s Involvement in School children’s Release

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, on Sunday, revealed that Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was not involved in the release of abducted Kuriga pupils.
    Sani revealed this days after Gumi offered to negotiate with bandits for the release of the pupils.

    The governor while speaking on Channels TV, said all the 137 schoolchildren abducted on March 7, 2024 from the Chikun Local Government Area of the state by bandits have been rescued by the military.

    According to Sani, the rescue mission was carried out by the military in collaboration with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara State, where the hostages were moved by their kidnappers.

    The governor described as speculations, talks in some quarters that ransom was paid, stressing that Gumi was not involved in the rescue of the pupils.

    Sani said, “All those speculations you are hearing today are figment of some people’s imagination. I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces.”

  • Tinubu Makes New Appointment 

    Tinubu Makes New Appointment 

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Olugbile Holloway as director-general of the national commission for Museums and monuments.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. 

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Olugbile Holloway as the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

    “Mr. Holloway is the Managing Director of Evoke Communications Limited, a creative brand/consultancy agency. 

    “He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

    “The President expects that the new Director-General will bring life into this important agency and ensure the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage”, the statement said.

  • FG takes over the trial of alleged 4 terrorists who kidnapped and killed Imo monarch

    FG takes over the trial of alleged 4 terrorists who kidnapped and killed Imo monarch

    The federal government has taken over the prosecution of four suspected terrorists who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku.

    The four defendants are Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke were earlier slammed a three count charge which has been increased to five in the amended charges.

    At the resumed proceeding at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the
    Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, announced the taking over of the trial from the Inspector General of Police

    The AGF, through his counsel, David Kaswe, invoked section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to assume trial of the terrorism charges.

    Consequently, he pleaded with the court to put off the arraignment until another date to enable him to study the case file.

    He said that the Inspector General of Police has already been directed to make the case file available to the Federal Ministry of Justice for approximate action by the AGF.

    Meantime, April 15 has been fixed for the re-arraignment of the defendants on the amended charge.

    Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022.

    The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4 million cash from his family.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped, and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022.

    The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies, which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act.

    Part of the charge read “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe Emeka Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku Knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.