Category: North Central

  • Ex Benue Governor Joins PDP Chairmanship Race

    Ex Benue Governor Joins PDP Chairmanship Race

    Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam has thrown his hat into the ring for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Suswam stated his intention to vie for the position, aiming to complete the tenure of ousted Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, asserting that it rightfully belongs to Benue state and the North Central region.

    Speaking in Katsina-Ala on Friday during a meeting with the Benue North East PDP expanded caucus, Suswam emphasized his consultation with key party figures in the state, including Samuel Ortom, David Mark, Abba Moro, and the PDP’s State Working Committee.

    Highlighting the constitutional backing and historical precedent, Suswam underscored the north central and Benue’s right to finish Senator Ayu’s truncated tenure, advocating for party unity and mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He urged reconciliation post-2023 polls, emphasizing the PDP’s role as the foremost vehicle for Nigeria’s progress.

  • Kogi: Supreme Court sets aside Appeal court’s ruling on inspection order

    Kogi: Supreme Court sets aside Appeal court’s ruling on inspection order

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the Court of Appeal ruling which set aside the inspection Order granted the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by the Governorship election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    The Governorship election petition Tribunal had, on November 25, 2023, granted an Exparte Order, allowing the SDP and its candidate in the 11th November, 2023 Governorship election to carry out forensic examination of all the Bimordal Voters Accreditation system (BVAS) used in the Governorship election, among other sundry reliefs.

    A three-man panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, sets aside the inspection order, on the grounds that it has gone outside the province of the Electoral Act.

    The Court of Appeal ordered that, while inspection is allowed under the Electoral Act, it must be jointly carried out with the respondent and the scope of the inspection should be within the strict limit allowed under the Electoral Act.

    However, the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, on Thursday, allowed the appeal of the Appellants, saying that the order of inspection made by the trial tribunal were within its power.

    The Court also held that the Respondents were duly served.

  • Popular Abuja Market On Fire

    Popular Abuja Market On Fire

    A fire has erupted at Wuse Market Abuja’s bustling commercial hub, on Tuesday evening. 

    The fire prompted immediate evacuations and a swift response from emergency services.

    The cause of the inferno has remained unknown, but the rapid mobilization of firefighters and security personnel to the site shows the gravity of the situation. 

    The market, known for its extensive array of goods and services, experienced an abrupt halt in activities as traders and shoppers alike were seen fleeing the vicinity.

    This incident follows a tragic event on February 29, 2024, where a fire claimed three lives in a residential building within EFAB estate, Karsana District, near Gwarinpa.

    The fire reportedly originated from an explosion linked to a diesel drum, leading to a fierce battle against the flames by both residents and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

    The current fire at Wuse Market has caused significant concern among the populace, given the market’s prominence and the recent memory of the EFAB estate tragedy.

  • Gunmen Attack 2 Banks In Kogi

    Gunmen Attack 2 Banks In Kogi

    Gunmen suspected to be robbers have attacked two commercial banks in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    The robbers raided the banks and carted away millions of naira and other valuables.

    Eyewitnesses said that the robbers were shooting indiscriminately shootings during the attack.

    The robbery operation was said to have started around 5 pm.

    It was gathered that operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps engaged them in exchange of gunfire.

    The state police command is yet to react to the incident.

  • Protesters storm Maitama over ‘Illegal’ enforcement by Asabe Waziri, Police, FCT court officials

    Protesters storm Maitama over ‘Illegal’ enforcement by Asabe Waziri, Police, FCT court officials

    Protesters in their large numbers stormed Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory, to protest what they described as illegal siege on a property, located at No. 1 Mekong Close.

    Two flats in the property of 15 flats have been in dispute between Abeh Signatures Limited and Asabe Waziri, a millionaire civil servant and staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) for over two years.

    The Resident Facility Manager, Monday Fada, who led other protesters, said in the last one week, the peace of the area and the property has been disrupted.

    He alleged that the police are being used to perpetuate illegalities by aiding Mrs Waziri to gain possession of the property.

    Therefore, they called on the Inspector -General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to call his men to order to avoid breakdown of law and order.

    “We had an invasion here on Friday by one Madam Asabe Waziri, using the police to come and disrupt the peace in our property without any valid court, no notice, nothing.

    “They had the backing of the police and they came and vandalized people’s property here.

    “We are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the FCT minister, and the Inspector -General of Police to intervene and restore peace to this property because that is what we need in here.

    “If there is any issue on the property, the court is there to hear the grievances of all parties. We want the rule of law to prevail, things should be done with due process.

    “These are investors who have invested heavily, so the president should not allow this to happen as it will discourage other investors,” he said.

    Last week, a lawyer, Mr Victor Giwa, wrote the IGP to halt the illegalities being perpetuated by the Nigerian Police and Ms Asabe Waziri.

    In the letter dated March 1, 2024, signed by Barrister Giwa, the lawyer accused policemen under the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations of giving backing to break into a property located at No. 1Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja.

    The lawyer called for the intervention of the IGP to halt what could lead to breakdown of law and order in the area.

    Giwa said in the, letter, “Staff of our client approached them to find out why they were criminally intimidating and trespassing into the property without any authorization or any valid Order of Court which no body answered. The hoodiums accompanied by the Police went straight to Flat 3B and 3C, broke down the entire doors and windows without consent or authorization of the resident who were not even at home and began to vandalize, destroy and bring out all the belongings inside the 2 Flats.

    “The Manager of the apartment upon approaching the hoodlums to find out what is actually going on, was threatened that if he tried anything funny, he will be shot and brutalized. The manager later found out from one of the policemen that they were instructed to come there upon the malicious instigation of one Asabe Waziri and the FCT High Court Director of Enforcement Mr Tony Chukwuemeka Ubani who are both parties to various Court cases revolving around this particular property.

    “Asabe Waziri and Mr Tony Ubani hoodwinked the DIG Police Force Operations to enforce an Order of Court which is not enforceable. The Case is already pending before the Court of Appeal Abuja Judicial Division and even the Court was of the opinion that the Order/Judgment cannot be enforced as it was just an Order to maintain Status quo.

    “The property that was criminally trespassed is also currently Lis Pendens and a subject of Litigation pending before a Court of law. This development is totally strange and unlawful as there is an already subsisting Court Order from FCT High Court Bwari restraining Asabe Waziri from interfering, trespassing, disturbing the quiet possession of the residents and she was further estopped from doing anything adverse to the property described as a two (2) bedroom unit of flat 3B and 3C, Abeh Signature Apartments, 1 Mekong Close Maitama Abuja pending the determination of the substantive suit with reference number: CV/3261/22. Please find attached a copy of the Court Order and pictures taken from the incidence annexed to this petition. The unlawful actions of parties involved caused a lot of damages to the properties of the residents worth Millions of Naira. We respectfully call on your good office to investigate into these illegal and unlawful acts and subsequently prosecute them accordingly. Please accept the assurances of our professional regards always.”

  • FCT police Denies reports of looted truck

    FCT police Denies reports of looted truck

    The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has debunked reports claiming a truck carrying food items in the Dei-Dei area of the FCT was attacked and looted on Monday morning.

    In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said they were unaware of such attacks.

    However, Adeh asked that anyone or any persons with evidence of any such activities to come forward and report to the police.

    “The FCT Police Command is not aware of any looting of food trucks in Dei-Dei Abuja this morning, being the 4/3/2024, but if you have any information pls, come to us with details,” the statement read.

  • Senate urges police to recover 36 children trafficked out of FCT…calls on the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified

    Senate urges police to recover 36 children trafficked out of FCT…calls on the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified

    The Senate has ordered the Nigerian Police Force to immediately rescue 36 children who were abducted and believed to be trafficked out of the federal capital territory (FCT).

    This is as it requested that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) establish systems to prevent child trafficking throughout the nation.

    It also urged the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified.

    The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) during Thursday’s plenary.

    Moving her motion, Kingibe disclosed that four (4) out of the Forty (40) children abducted were recovered from a lady known as Success Nwako.

    “On February 18, 2024, a complaint alleging illicit activities bordering on stealing, abduction and trafficking of children perpetrated by one Madam Success Nwako of the Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje area councils, was addressed to me in a letter forwarded by the missing children parents association (MCPA), an NGO based in Gwagwalada area council,” she said.

    “It was alleged that the ugly menace started in the wake of 2018 and continued unabated to date in spite of relentless efforts to stem the tide of this ugly scenario.

    “On the 4th of January, 2024, Madam Success was apprehended by the police with the help of a vigilante group along the Gwagwalada expressway with two abducted children.

    “Upon investigation by the police, it was unraveled that the abduction and stealing of children were carried out by a syndicate , nd this led to the arrest of three accomplices, while others are at large.”

    In his contribution, Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West) said, “I just want us to commend the effort of the Nigerian Police, the vigilante and the good synergy that exist between them that led to the arrest of the woman in question.”

  • New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

    New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

    In a move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial barriers, the Federal Government has introduced the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to residents across the FCT’s six area councils.

    The scheme, designed to prioritize the healthcare needs of marginalized groups, offers subsidized enrollment and free registration for the poor and vulnerable.

    Dr. Mohammed Danfulani, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, announced the commencement of enrollment during a sensitization drive held in Gwagwalada for Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and Gwagwalada area councils. Residents can enroll in the scheme for an annual fee of N13,500, with provisions in place for those unable to afford the cost.

    “The Federal Government’s commitment ensures that every individual, irrespective of financial status, gains access to essential healthcare services through the FHIS,” stated Dr. Danfulani, highlighting the nationwide implementation of similar initiatives.

    Addressing concerns regarding service delivery, Pharmacist Adedeji Fatai, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at FHIS, assured the public of stringent quality control measures to uphold standards across healthcare facilities.

    Community leaders, including Estu Sule Dobi, the District Head of Dobi in Gwagwalada area council, praised the scheme’s introduction and advocated for comprehensive awareness campaigns to reach remote communities.

    Grace Johnson, a beneficiary of the scheme, commended the FCT leadership for the efficient enrollment process, signaling widespread acceptance among residents.

    Additionally, as part of its support measures, the Federal Health Insurance Scheme distributed delivery kits to expectant mothers in the FCT, underscoring its commitment to maternal and child healthcare.

    The launch of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving health outcomes for FCT residents. With its emphasis on inclusivity and quality assurance, the scheme is poised to address healthcare disparities and promote well-being across the region.

  • Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe

    Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe

    Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his indifferent approach, expressing concern about Wike’s lack of concern for the residents of the nation’s capital. 

    At an event marking the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ireti highlighted the worrisome nature of the minister’s attitude and stated that as Obidients, they would find a way to address the situation.

    She emphasized the need for swift planning and organization to tackle the critical state of insecurity in the nation.

    “We, as a nation right now, we are in trouble. Yes, you’ve elected me as senator of the FCT, which is the highest elected office in the FCT, but I have to work with a minister who doesn’t seem to realize that there are people living in the FCT.

    “But we, Obidients, will have to figure a way around it.

    “We need to start planning and organizing ourselves as quickly and possible. In fact, the condition (of the nation) is critical if we don’t do anything now. Insecurity is what is about to consume us.

    “You can’t go to the farm. You can’t do anything. We have to take charge,” she said.

  • How 3 Siblings Suffocated To Death In A Car On Sunday

    How 3 Siblings Suffocated To Death In A Car On Sunday

    In a heart-wrenching incident at No. 8, Boluke Line, Zango-Kulende quarters, Ilorin, a boy and two girls, siblings of the same parent, lost their lives due to extreme suffocation inside a car parked in their residential quarters on Sunday.

    The children, playing inside the borrowed car, accidentally locked themselves in at around 2 p.m.

    The car, borrowed from their father’s sister within the same premises, became a harrowing scene when their mother, Shade Silifat, returned from buying noodles for their school meals.

    Discovering their footwear outside the car, she raised an alarm after forcing the doors open, only to find her children motionless, having succumbed to suffocation.

    Efforts to rescue them were made, rushing the children to Olutayo Clinic, near their residence, but the medical director, Dr. Adeyemo, advised moving them to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where they were tragically confirmed dead.

    The grieving family later conducted the burial at the Muslim cemetery, adhering to Islamic rites.