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Category: North Central

  • Niger State donates N1bn, grains to Mokwa flood victims

    Niger State donates N1bn, grains to Mokwa flood victims

    Niger Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced a donation of one billion Naira to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor announced the donation during an on the spot assessment of houses destroyed by the flood, where he subsequently addressed the people of the community.

    He said that the state government would provide ten trucks each of rice, beans, maize, millet and sorghum to the flood victims.

    While commiserating with the victims, he promised that all donations made would be judiciously distributed to them through a committee that would be headed by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba.

    Bago said that the government would also provide resettlement land and services to them.

    He directed the Ministry for Land and Survey to issue a certificate of occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Government to facilitate immediate construction of the resettlement homes for the victims.

    According to Bago, while the state government awaits the construction of the resettlement homes by the Federal Government, necessary arrangements will be made to move them from the IDP camp.

    He appreciated the Federal government, donor partners and other government agencies, as well as spirited individuals that had upported the victims.

    Earlier, the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Daji, sympathised with the people of Mokwa especially, the victims of the flood.

    Daji encouraged them to remain steadfast in the will of God at all times.

    Also, the Etsu Nupe, and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and the former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Mohammed Ketso commended the governor for his kindness to the people.

    They also appreciated the support and solidarity from all those that had made donations.

  • Ochetoha K’Idoma elects Prof Ochefu President, pledges loyalty to Och’Idoma

    Ochetoha K’Idoma elects Prof Ochefu President, pledges loyalty to Och’Idoma

    Ochetoha K’Idoma, the umbrella union of all Idoma sociocultural organisations has elected Economic Historian, Professor Yakubu Ochefu as its national President.

    At an election held in Otukpo, Benue State on Saturday, the Forum also elected Chief Paul Edeh, as the General Secretary.

    While Professor Ochefu is the immediate past Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Chief Edeh is the serving Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA).

    Professor Ochefu, former Vice Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Wukari is also the current National Chairman, Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni.

    In a communiqué released at the end of its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Forum also condemned the escalating security threats, including herdsmen attacks and kidnappings, which have negative impacted agricultural activities and instilled fear in communities, including Otukpo.

    It called for unified community action, enhanced local intelligence, and urgent government intervention to safeguard Idoma lives and territories.

    In the 11-point communique, Ochetoha K’Idoma pledged allegiance to the Och’Idoma, promising that the new EXCO “shall maintain a harmonious working relationship with His Royal Majesty.”

    The body observed that such harmonious relationship would help to “foster the rapid development of the Idoma Nation.”

    Another focal issue addressed in the communique was unity among the Idomas and need for funding support for ongoing development projects in Idoma land.

    (L-R) Prof Ochefu and other members of EXCO

    The others are, Dr. Echeofu Agada, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Sam Edache, Auditor; Johnson Victor Eche, Legal Adviser and AVM Toni Adokwu (rtd.), Ex-Officio.

    Other members of the 10-member Executive Committee include: Emmanuel Anebi Ongaji – Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Otse David Egegwu, Financial Secretary and Mr. Ada Obande, Treasurer.

  • Electric Vehicles: Nasarawa state to establish production plant

    The Nasarawa State Government says it will sustain efforts to utilising lithium resources in the state towards establishing the first electric vehicles factory in Nigeria.

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at an event organised by the Abdullahi Sule Gidan-Gidan Support Group to commemorate his six years in office.

    The event held on Sunday in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s lithium reserves have garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent inauguration of a lithium processing factory in the state.

    The factory was built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited.

    Sule said that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

    He added that his government would ensure that all mineral resources, including lithium produced in the state were processed there before exported or transported to other states and countries.

    The governor added that in spite of government’s efforts, it was only the first stage of lithium processing that is currently taking place in the state.

    “We will continue to engage investors and strategic partners to ensure that the second stage, which is the production of battery and assembling of vehicles in the state.

    “My administration’s desire is to achieve this milestone,” Sule said.

    Sule, who feared that his administration may not complete the project, assured that his predecessor would bring it to fruition.

    Sule thanked President Bola Tinubu for his impressive economic reforms, promised to key into the president’s reforms for the overall development of the state.

    The governor also promised to use the remaining two years of his administration to better the lots of the citizens.

    Earlier, Hajiya Hussaina Sule and Chairperson of the support group, said that the event was to celebrate the achievements of the governor in the last six years.

    Sule, who is the governor’s daughter, commended him for executing a lot of legacy projects across the state.

    She listed some of the critical projects to include, flyovers and underpasses in Lafia and Akwanga, and the State Secretariat complex in Lafia.

    She added that the governor had also constructed over 600 kilometers of urban and rural roads, among others.

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for N1.7trn 2025 FCT budget

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate for the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s 2025 Appropriation Bill

    The President’s request is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    “Pursuant to section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which vests legislative powers over the Federal Capital Territory on the National Assembly, I hereby present the 2025 FCT budget proposal to the Senate for consideration.

    “The 2025 FCT Budget Proposal prioritises investment in health care services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, education infrastructure as well as increasing productivity in agriculture,” the letter read in part.

    Tinubu said that the budget was aimed at lifting as many citizens as possible out of poverty, adding that a total expenditure of N1.7 trillion was proposed for the 2025 fiscal year.

    He said that 85 per cent of the capital expenditure was dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 per cent was earmarked for new capital projects.

    “This is to sustain the ongoing efforts at providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the FCT,” he said.

    Tinubu expressed the hope that the budget proposal would receive the expeditious consideration and passage by the senate. 

  • Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

    Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 5 for hearing.

    The aggrieved residents comprised of scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others.

    They sued the minister, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

    Justice James Omotosho adjourned the suit after counsel for the plaintiff, Usman Chamo, informed the court that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had just served him with its counter affidavit.

    Chamo said he would need more time to file a response to the application.

    The lawyers, who appeared for the defence, did not oppose the application and the matter was adjourned until May 5 for hearing.

    The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

    In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

    Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

    The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets.

    The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

    He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

    He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

    The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

    “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

    He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

    “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

    Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

    He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

    According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

    He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

    He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

    He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

    The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

    According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.

    He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

    Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

    The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

  • Compensation fraud: Abuja indigenes demand probe of FCDA boss

    Compensation fraud: Abuja indigenes demand probe of FCDA boss

    Some indigenes of the FCT have called for an investigation into alleged compensation fraud relating to demolished Gishiri Village, Abuja.

    A total of 455 houses and structures standing on a road corridor in the village were demolished to give way for a road project.

    Media reports alleged that victims of the demolished houses and structures, were being defrauded by officials of the FCDA.

    The reports emanated from a meeting between the FCT Minister and leaders of the community.

    At the meeting, Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the authority particularly identified as the culprit.

    Reacting to the development, the indigenes, in a joint statement in Abuja on Tuesday, called on the FCT Minister to investigate the claim.

    According to them, the full investigation of the alleged fraud is necessary to determine the veracity of the claim and bring the culprit to book.

    The statement was jointly signed by the President of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation, Isaac Isaac, and Youths Leader, FCT Youths Network, Mr Umar Makeri.

    Others are the Women Leader, Abuja Original Inhabitants Women Association, Sarki Yemi and Chief Ambassador, Abuja Grassroots Ambassadors and Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Mr Yunusa Yusuf.

    The group called for a probe into the fraud allegations, insisting that the FCDA Executive Secretary was wrongfully accused.

    They called for fair hearing to enable Dauda to exonerate himself from the alleged fraud linked to him.

    The group argued that a press release from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, had completely absolved the FCDA boss of any fraud.

    According to the group, the emphasis was on fair compensation for owners of demolished structures in Gishiri Village, irrespective of their indigenisation status.

    “We the civil society organisations in the FCT have taken interest in the demolition, compensation and relocation of affected persons from Gishiri Village.

    “We have done our investigations and can tell you that nobody was paid before demolition was carried out.

    “While we believe that the media has the responsibility of holding government officials accountable, they also owe it to the people to present the facts as they are.”

    The group commended the FCT minister for increasing the compensation funds from N655 million to N1.3 billion, stressing the need for social justice and equity.

    They, however, said that they would not stand by and watch while an innocent person was being wrongfully accused.

    “Is the Executive Secretary responsible for paying compensation? Is that not the responsibility of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?

    “Why then is the Executive Secretary of FCDA dragged for what he is not directly responsible for?

    “We, therefore, call for a thorough investigation of all those involved in the compensation payment, where everyone involved will be given an opportunity to present their own case,” the statement said. 

  • FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    Rather than commend the taxpayers, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) threatened defaulters after announcing a collection of over N43.8 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

     The agency warned that it may take legal action against individuals and businesses that consistently fail to comply with tax laws.

    The Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, revealed this during a public awareness campaign in Abuja. 

    He explained that while the service encourages voluntary tax compliance, it is also prepared to enforce penalties on those who refuse to meet their tax obligations.

    According to Ango, the agency collected a total of N262 billion in 2024, surpassing its N250 billion target. 

    With a strong start in 2025, the service remains committed to increasing revenue collection across various taxes, including personal income tax, capital gains tax, property tax, and entertainment tax.

    He noted that businesses that fail to file their tax returns for 2025 could face penalties starting from N500,000. 

    The agency has already issued warning letters to some defaulting companies and plans to notify more soon.

    READ ALSO: Why Nigerians should not pat tax

     If payments are not made within two weeks, FCT-IRS will determine the next course of action, which may include prosecuting company executives.

    Ango stressed that tax payments are essential for public infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools.

     He urged residents and business owners to fulfill their tax duties, warning that the agency will take strict action

  • INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official election notice for the upcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The polls are scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

    According to the notice published on Wednesday, voting will begin at 8:30 a.m. across all polling units in the six area councils of the FCT.

    INEC confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used for voter identification and authentication.

    The commission stated that only registered voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to participate in the election.

    Anyone without a PVC will not be permitted to vote.

    The election is expected to follow standard electoral guidelines, ensuring transparency and credibility in the process.

  • Maurice Ikpambese remains Benue Chief Judge

    Maurice Ikpambese remains Benue Chief Judge

    The National Judicial Council has stated that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue.

    This declaration is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Kemi Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information, NJC on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of Justice Ikpambese as chief judge of Benue from office.

    “Unfortunate as this development is, the council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.

    READ ALSO: NAPTIP rescues 13 tracking victims, seals Abuja hotel

    “Although, the council had this morning received a petition against Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with the council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing,” the council declared.

    The NJC added that as far as the council is concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Justice Ikpambese remains the chief judge of Benue . 

  • Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for positions in the State Executive Council.

    After two days of screening on February 17 and 18, lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Lafia gave their approval.

    The Speaker, Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the decision on Tuesday, congratulating the nominees and urging them to focus on policies that will improve the state’s development. He also advised them to maintain integrity in their duties.

    The confirmed nominees are Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA) and Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA).

    Others are Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA), Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia LGA), Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos (Nasarawa LGA) and Barr. David Moyi (Obi LGA).

    Also confirmed are Dr. Gaza Gwamna (Toto LGA), Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel (Wamba LGA), Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho (Wamba LGA), and Hon. Yakubu Kwanta (Akwanga LGA).

    Jatau urged them to align with Governor Sule’s plans for the state’s progress. The Clerk of the House was directed to officially notify the governor of the confirmation.

    House Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC–Awe North) moved the motion for approval, which Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP–Obi 2) supported.

    Lawmakers from the nominees’ constituencies backed their appointments, praising their leadership abilities as the assembly unanimously confirmed their selection.