The Police Command in Adamawa is to appeal against the judgement of a Yola High Court directing it to release a defendant in a kidnap case and pay him N5m as damages for wrongful detention.
The development was made known in Yola on Thursday in a statement by the command spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje.
Nguroje said command is not satisfied with the judgment delivered on Wednesday Jan. 22 in favour of the defendant, Hammadu Musa.
“The Command wishes to state categorically that the said defendant was arrested by Vigilante members for alleged kidnapping and handed over to the Police.
“He was thereafter, investigated and having established a prima facie case against him, the Police charged him to Court.
“The Casefile was duplicated and sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, state ministry of justice for legal advice and takeover of prosecution accordingly.”
According to him, the command operates within the context of law with respect to Rule of Law dictates, charging the defendant (suspect) to Court.
He insisted that Police did not wrongfully detained the defendant in its detention facility as portrayed that would warrant breach of his fundamental human rights.
“It was the Court that remanded the defendant at the Correctional Service Facility herein Yola for the period of the case at hand.
“The Command therefore assures members of the public that in synergy with the Ministry of Justice, will appeal against the decision of the State High Court, Yola”.
As Nigerians pray for an ending to the menace, Boko Haram terrorists struck again on Sunday night in Kawuri village, Konduga LG, Borno state, leaving tails of woe.
They set fire to three patrol vehicles of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and three military armored tanks.
Residents fled to the bush as the military confronted the attackers.
The troops pushed back the terrorists, and no casualties were reported during the fight.
However, the attackers planted explosives on the Konduga-Kawuri road to block reinforcements.
On Tuesday morning, while navigating the route, CJTF member Abba Godori accidentally triggered one of the devices and lost his life.
Efforts to reach the police for confirmation were unsuccessful, but a retired community member confirmed the renewed attacks in the area.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has advocated for Africa’s permanent membership on the UN Security Council, emphasising Nigeria’s suitability to represent the continent in the global body.
This position was made in a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy to the minister, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Tuggar made these remarks during a panel discussion on the theme “Africa’s Momentum” at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, which runs from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland.
Tuggar criticised Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, noting that nearly 60 per cent of the Council’s resolutions addressed issues affecting the continent, yet Africa had no permanent seat.
He pointed out that many of the Council’s decisions, such as the deforestation law that banned the purchase of goods from deforested land in Africa, have negative consequences for the continent.
He also highlighted the failure to hold companies accountable for contributing to deforestation in Africa.
The discussion, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, also featured prominent speakers including Mohammed Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia; Therese Wagner, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Matia Kasaija, Ugandan Minister of Finance.
The panel discussed Africa’s role in global governance and the significance of the first 2025 G20 summit, which will take place in South Africa.
Tuggar further elaborated on Nigeria’s global outlook under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasising Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and nonalignment principles in its foreign relations.
He also pointed out that the G20 summit in South Africa provided an opportunity to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion as a member.
“Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s liberation struggle and its ongoing support for South Africa solidifies our ties,” Tuggar noted.
He highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to African development through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which sent volunteer professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Tuggar also stressed Nigeria’s non-threatening nature, stating that the country enjoyed good relations with its neighbours, which strengthened its global position.
He argued that Nigeria’s unique role in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council further supported its case for representation on the global stage.
Tuggar called for a return to commitments made by developed nations during the Rio Summit, particularly regarding the transfer of technology to developing countries.
He emphasised that Africa, as a continent of 54 nations, should not be seen as a single entity but as a diverse and powerful region.
Tuggar argued that Nigeria, with its large population and economic strength, was well-positioned to represent Africa on the global stage.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s track record of supporting both African and global causes, asserting that these factors made the country a suitable candidate for representing the continent in the UN Security Council and other international forums.
Despite the best of effort of the leaders to curtail the trend, Sub-Sahara Africa now accounts for nearly 59 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths globally.
This grim reality was revealed on Tuesday by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Muhammed during a UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of international peace and security.
Discussing under the theme, “African-led and development-focused counter-terrorism: strengthening African leadership and implementation of counter-terrorism initiatives.”
According to Muhammed, for three years, terrorism related deaths have soared past 6000 making up more than half of all global fertilities.
She said Burkina Faso now leads the world in terrorism deaths with a staggering 68 per cent increase, and with little support to reverse the trend.
“Africa has tragically remained the epicenter of global terrorism. In all its forms and manifestations, terrorism is the most significant threat to peace, security and sustainable development across the continent today.”
On her part, the impact of terrorism on women and families is particularly devastating.
Muhammed noted that terrorists frequently exploit and brutalise women through sexual and gender-based violence, including forced marriages and abductions, causing profound trauma that reverberates through entire communities.
She said terrorist networks are now pooling resources, finances, fighters and expertise, while sharpening their capabilities of new technologies, including unmanned aerial systems.
“Countering terrorism must continue to innovate with an approach that holds the respect for human rights and the rule of law at its core and an outcome that addresses the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.
“African member states, with the full backing of the international community must forge cohesive and conducted responses grounded in humanitarian development peace nexus and aligned with the guiding principles of the global counter terrorism strategy.”
She said the pact for the future, agreed in September 2024 by UN member states gives a renewed momentum to global efforts against terrorism, adding that now is the time to implement promises made in the pact with determined action.
Muhammed highlighted three priority areas with the first being the need to continually address the drivers of terrorism.
She said terrorism thrives on fragility and feeds off poverty, inequality, and disillusionment.
“When financing development regresses, when fragile institutions are matched with weak governance, and when women and youth are excluded from decision making, when public services are scarce or unequal, these conditions create fertile ground for radicalisation and recruitment.
“Building inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies must be our goal and we have a road map to get there. The 2030 agenda, and in Africa, the 2063 agenda need to be implemented.
She noted that human rights based approaches to counter terrorism grounded in accountable and inclusive institutions were needed.
Muhammed further said regional cooperation was the linchpin of any effective counter terrorism strategy, adding that fragmenting efforts would serve perpetrators.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider his recent decision to withdraw the United States from the global health body.
This move follows Trump’s executive order, signed shortly after his inauguration, formally starting the process of ending the country’s membership.
Trump justified his decision by citing concerns about the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the organization’s alleged failure to implement necessary reforms.
He also criticized what he described as the unequal financial contributions, claiming the United States pays significantly more compared to China.
In a statement, the WHO expressed regret over the decision, noting the United States has been a key member since its founding in 1948.
The organization highlighted the decades-long partnership between the U.S. and WHO in tackling global health challenges, including the eradication of smallpox and efforts to eliminate polio.
WHO emphasized its role in protecting global health through disease prevention, health system strengthening, and crisis response in vulnerable areas.
It also pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability and effectiveness.
The organization expressed hope for renewed dialogue with the U.S. to maintain their partnership, which it described as vital for global health security and the well-being of millions around the world.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency of Nigeria (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather activities from Wednesday to Friday.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged sunny skies in hazy atmosphere on Wednesday over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the North Central and inland cities of the South with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Osun, Ondo, Edo and Ogun States.
It forecast cloudy skies with spells of sunshine and morning thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in the coastal region of the South.
NiMet predicted thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States later in the day.
“ For Thursday, slight dust haze is anticipated over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.
`Hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the North Central and inland cities of the South with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Osun States.
“In the coastal region of the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River States, “ it said.
The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States later in the day.
NiMet predicted moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.
It forecast slight dust haze over the North Central region of the country throughout the forecast period.
“ Hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the inland States of the South throughout the forecast period.
“In the coastal region of the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated over the region in the morning hours.
“ Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, “ it said.
According to NiMet dust particles are in suspension, public should take necessary precaution and people with asthmatic health condition and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
The agency urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.
`Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng, “ it said.
Federal officials present included the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abba; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Though the agenda was not officially disclosed, discussions are expected to address the cleanup of Ogoniland and the potential resumption of oil exploration in the area.
These issues have sparked debates in recent months, with civil society organizations demanding a $1 trillion allocation for environmental restoration and compensation before oil activities resume.
The 2011 UNEP report highlighted extensive pollution in Ogoniland, affecting land, water, and air, and recommended comprehensive cleanup efforts.
Activists have expressed disappointment over delays in implementing the report’s recommendations and called for urgent action to address the environmental and economic concerns of the region.
Oxfam, an international non-governmental organisation, has urged all tiers of government to tackle inequality and wealth gap among Nigerians.
John Makina, Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, made the call at the unveiling of the State of Climate Finance in Nigeria Report and 2025 Davos report on Inequality in Abuja.
Makina, represented by Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development (CODE), identified Nigeria’s wealth gap as a moral and social crisis.
He said that a few individuals amassed immense wealth while more than 133 million of the populace faced hunger daily.
“This extreme inequality is largely unearned, built on inheritance, monopolies and unfair advantages.
“We must act now to create a fairer system by taxing the richest, addressing injustices and investing in services that lift millions out of poverty.
“Tax the richest to end extreme wealth.’’
Makina recommended that global tax policy should fall under a new UN tax convention, ensuring the richest people and corporations paid their fair share.
He said analysis conducted by Oxfam showed that half of the world’s billionaires lived in countries with no inheritance tax for direct descendants.
The country director said inheritance needed to be taxed to dismantle the new aristocracy.
According to him, report by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) shows that only 40 wealthy individuals pay taxes in Nigeria.
“The other question is whether the taxes they pay are fair to the income/profit they make.
“The ongoing tax and fiscal reforms must put a search light on taxing the rich, not just the billionaires but the millionaires in hundreds”.
Makina said the purpose of the study was to develop climate financing information towards ensuring meaningful and informed participation of citizens in social and financial accountability of climate finance with focus at both national and local levels.
“By providing strategic development of resources and information on climate finance in Nigeria, this study will help inform partners about Oxfam’s current and future climate finance programming and advocacy in Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will conduct an electronic auction of 891 forfeited cars between Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.
The commission announced this on its social media handle on Monday.
It stated that the vehicles were forfeited in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery & Management) Act, 2022.
Some vehicles listed for auction include Lexus Panamera Porsche, Crosstour, Mercedes Benz, and Venza, among others.
It listed locations of the vehicles to include Abuja, Benin, Sokoto, Uyo, Lagos, Kaduna, Ilorin, Port-Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Ibadan.
”Interested parties have been directed to the following websites: www.rihogo.com, https://biznjeg.ng, www.areogunresourcesniglid.com.ng” it stated.
Trump, according to White House website, has outlined the administration’s priorities as ending inflation, lowering costs, tax cuts for American workers, securing America’s borders, restoring peace through strength, American energy dominance and making American cities safe again.
Donald Trump promises to end inflation, lower costs, secure America’s border, and restore peace through strength as he was sworn in as the 47th president of America.
Trump was sworn in as U.S. president after taking the oath of office in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Monday.
Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena because of frigid weather.
The Republican — at 78, now the oldest person ever to take the presidential oath — was set to kick-start his new term with a blitz of immediate orders on immigration and the U.S. culture wars.
JD Vance is sworn in as the Vice President
“I will declare a national emergency at our southern border” with Mexico, Trump said to loud cheers from supporters inside the ornate Rotunda hall, vowing to deport “millions and millions” of illegal immigrants.
Trump, who pronounced the start of a “golden age” in the U.S. after taking the oath for a historic second term as president, lashed out at what he described as a “broken” society that he would rescue.
“The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world”.
While promising renewal, Trump’s tone was characteristically dark, denouncing what he said had been a “betrayal” of Americans by a “radical and corrupt establishment.”
“For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair,” he said.
Trump took the oath with one hand raised in the air, using a Bible given to him by his mother, and became the 47th president.
Trump, according to White House website, has outlined the administration’s priorities as ending inflation, lowering costs, tax cuts for American workers, securing America’s borders, restoring peace through strength, American energy dominance and making American cities safe again.
During his first administration, Trump passed record-setting tax relief for the middle class, doubled the child tax credit, and eliminated job-killing regulations at a historic rate.
“The American people saw more money in their pockets and witnessed record-low poverty in his first administration, and President Trump is committed to using his second term to usher in an economic revival by lowering taxes and creating more jobs for American workers.
“He will champion No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and will work tirelessly to make permanent the historic tax cuts he was able to deliver to the American people in his first term.
“President Trump understands that putting more money in the pockets of the American people is the key to economic prosperity and will stop at nothing to make that a reality for all.”
It further noted that Trump created the most secure border in U.S. history during his first time and seeks to restore our borders and reclaim national sovereignty.
Trump supporters wait for entry at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC [Ali Harb/Al Jazeera]
He has promised to do this by ending catch and release, declaring war on the drug cartels, restoring Remain in Mexico policies and empowering law enforcement and border officials to restore our border to its secure state.
President Trump will keep America out of unnecessary foreign wars, improve our military readiness and defend our nation from all threats and dangers.
“He will modernise our military, extract ideology from our Armed Forces, and replace the failed policies of never-ending war and regime change with a bold vision of peace through strength.
“During President Trump’s first term, our nation became the number one producer of oil and natural gas on earth and achieved American energy independence.
““Delivering low energy costs for oil, gas, and electricity to the American people is a priority and he will achieve this by encouraging domestic energy production,” the White House website said.
