Month: August 2024

By Uzair Adam

The Correctional Officers Pencom Retirees Association of Nigeria (COPRAN) has criticized the Contributory Pension Commission (PenCom) scheme, arguing that it has exacerbated the difficulties faced by retirees.

In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Labour, and the Human Rights Commission, among others, COPRAN expressed concerns about the inadequate distribution of funds to pensioners after retirement.

Mr. Anthony Ayiwulu, President of the Plateau Command of COPRAN, stated that while the PenCom policy was intended to benefit retirees, it has unfortunately caused significant harm to public servants who have dedicated many years of service to the nation.

He emphasized the urgent need for the policy to be revised or overhauled to better serve retirees’ needs.

Ayiwulu highlighted the plight of retirees who, after 35 years of diligent service, find themselves struggling to receive their gratuities and meet basic living expenses.

He noted that the Nigerian Army successfully requested exemption from the PenCom scheme due to the severe hardships it imposed on retired servicemen.

In light of the current economic challenges, Ayiwulu called for a more equitable approach to handling retiree benefits, including timely payment of pensions and provision of support to help them cope with inflation and other financial burdens.

He also mentioned that despite being asked to provide their information through various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), many retirees have yet to receive a response or any form of assistance to alleviate their financial hardships.

By Uzair Adam

Four Nigerians have been sentenced to a combined total of 13 years in prison in the UK for their involvement in forging over 2,000 marriage certificates, which allowed people to live in the UK illegally.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir were found guilty after a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.

The individuals were accused of making fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications between March 2019 and May 2023.

They provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documents to help Nigerian nationals remain in the UK.

An investigation by Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigators, in collaboration with Home Office International Operations based in Lagos, uncovered over 2,000 forged marriage documents.

Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, emphasized the group’s significant abuse of UK immigration laws, noting their sole motive was financial gain.

Onifade and Shodipo were both convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

Kabir was found guilty of possessing an identity document with improper intention but acquitted of obtaining leave to remain by deception.

Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.

Moran stated that the convictions serve as a warning to other gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain and reiterated the UK’s commitment to securing its borders and stopping such illegal activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Xiaomi is reportedly working on a revolutionary button-less smartphone, codenamed Zhuque, which is expected to launch in the first half of next year.

According to sources, the phone’s standout feature will be its total lack of buttons, but it’s unclear what will replace them – possibly a combination of gesture controls, pressure-sensitive edges, or voice commands. 

The Zhuque will also boast an under-display selfie camera, a feature that has been attempted by Samsung with mixed results.

The phone will be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4 SoC, an improved version of the 8 Gen 4 due to launch this October. 

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 4 will also be used in the Xiaomi 15S Pro, expected to launch between April and June 2025.

While the button-less design may be a bold move, it remains to be seen whether the Zhuque will be a success or a niche product, like the Meizu Zero. 

As one source noted, “Remember the Meizu Zero? Exactly.”

This suggests that the Zhuque may face similar challenges in gaining widespread adoption.

However, Xiaomi’s willingness to innovate and take risks may pay off in the competitive smartphone market.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Chikaji, located in the Sabon-Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are urgently seeking assistance from the government and charitable individuals following a devastating flood that swept through the area.

Several media reports indicated that the flood caused extensive damage, washing away cemeteries, homes, and properties.

Triggered by a seven-hour downpour from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, the flood has severely impacted the community.

The Village Head of Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba, reported on Tuesday that over 200 houses were affected.

He also mentioned that the flood caused significant destruction to the LEA Primary School and desecrated a large section of the Ojo Cemetery.

Although no lives were lost, many graves were disturbed, and residents are now taking refuge in nearby neighborhoods.

To address the immediate needs of the cemetery, Malam Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, has called an emergency meeting with local philanthropists to discuss relief efforts.

Among the victims is Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, whose two-bedroom home was reduced to rubble.

He expressed gratitude that the flooding occurred during daylight, which allowed residents to take swift action, although he lost all his belongings while trying to protect his children.

Community leader Alhaji Gafai Katsina highlighted the difficult situation for many flood victims, noting that some families are now staying with less affected neighbors or have returned to their parents’ homes temporarily.

Reacting to the disaster, a statement from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen, emphasized the need for swift government intervention and called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate support to the affected residents.

The Speaker also urged residents to take precautionary measures and adhere to safety advice from authorities to minimize further risks associated with flooding.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has expressed deep concern over the alarming rates of banditry, abductions, and killings in the country.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, NIREC, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to tackle the menace. 

The statement, signed by NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, highlighted recent incidents, including the killing of 13 farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the abduction of 150 persons in Gobir District, Sokoto State, and the gruesome murder of the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State. 

“These spate of attacks within the window period of one week is very disheartening and of great concern,” the statement read.

“NIREC, therefore, calls on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these menaces in our society so that citizens can go about their normal businesses without fear or apprehension.” 

The council also commiserated with the families of victims and prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.

NIREC urged all Nigerians to be cautious, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

By Uzair Adam

Police in Jigawa State have detained a tea vendor accused of beating a 20-year-old man to death in Dutse after the young man allegedly stole bread, milk, noodles, and petrol from him.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Jigawa, DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the detention, stating that the suspect will be arraigned in court following the completion of investigations.

According to the police statement, the suspect, a 40-year-old resident of Sararai Village in Dutse, tied up and tortured the victim on August 19 after accusing him of theft.

Upon receiving a report of the incident, a police patrol team arrested the suspect and took the victim to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

The victim’s body has since been handed over to his family for burial.

During questioning at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse, the suspect admitted to beating the teenager, claiming he was provoked by the theft and had previously reported the matter to the deceased’s parents.

By Anwar Usman

A Senator representing Bauchi North in Bauchi State, Sen. Abdul Ning said Northern Nigeria needs urgent advice from the Kano emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to address numerous obstacles facing the region.

This is contained in a statement by the Emir’s Chief of Staff and Danburan of Kano, Mannir Bayero.

According to the statement, Ningi made the statement while receiving the Emir on a condolence visit at the palace of the late Sarkin Ningi, Inusa Danyaya, who passed away recently.

“Emir Sanusi is a driving force and epitome of knowledge that should be a rallying point if the Northern region is ready to address its problems.

“Every tribe and ethnic groups that are today’s Nigeria is happy and full of thankfulness for the Emir’s contribution to the upliftment of the common man and his leadership style that has been carried out with knowledge and wisdom.”

He added that, “We are full of praises and prayers to the Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II for putting his people first than anything, and also his care and concerns for the growth of Northern Nigeria.

“We have a leader in him that we will rally around to get it right.Ningi reminded all that Northern Nigeria of today is seriously in a quagmire and needs urgent cooperation and unity of its citizens to overcome the challenges bedevilling the region.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, over the passing of his Commissioner of Finance, Honourable Ahmed Ali Ahmed. 

President Tinubu also condoles with the family of the late commissioner and describes his passing as a huge and painful loss. 

The President prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for his family at this difficult time.

Reports showed that Ahmed Ali was mysteriously found dead yesterday in his room in Borno.

The cause of his death is still unknown as the state government hasn’t released any statements about the cause as of the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, led a delegation from the Gombe State government, including the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, to Ningi town in Bauchi State to offer condolences following the demise of the Emir of Ningi, Dr. Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya.

In his remarks at the Emir’s palace, Governor Inuwa described the late monarch’s death as a profound loss, not only for the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State but for the entire northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

Reflecting on the deep ties between his family and the late Emir, as well as the broader relationship between the Ningi Emirate and Gombe State, Governor Inuwa said, “Death has indeed separated us from a father, a guardian, and, to a great extent, a statesman whose monumental loss will be felt across the entire nation. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.”

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, also spoke, describing the late Ningi Monarch as a foundational figure whose fatherly guidance among community leaders significantly shaped the direction of traditional leadership. He noted that the late Emir Danyaya had been a close ally of the Gombe Emirate for over four decades, dating back to his service as Area Manager with the former Northern State Marketing Board in the late 1970s.

“Emir Danyaya’s death is deeply mourned by the Gombe Emirate and the entire Gombe State community because we have lost a close ally,” Dr. Abubakar added. He also prayed for the repose of the late soul of the late traditional ruler.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya was also at the Bauchi Government House where he extended the condolences of the government and people of Gombe State to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed over the sad event.

In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to his Gombe counterpart for standing with the Ningi Emirate and the Bauchi State Government in this moment of grief.

He praised Governor Inuwa for his capable leadership in managing the affairs of both Gombe State and the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

“We were confident that you would stand with us during this challenging time, and we are not surprised you have come. As our leader across the nineteen northern states, you consistently meet expectations, demonstrating your leadership zeal whenever the need arises.”

The Gombe delegation included the Chief of Staff, Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari; Commissioners of Trade, Industry and Tourism and Budget and Economic Planning, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, mni, and Salihu Baba Alkali, respectively, among other government functionaries and aides.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 97 individuals linked to the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, following a violent confrontation with police officers in Abuja on Sunday.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two policemen, with three others sustaining serious injuries on Sunday.

Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the clash.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the arrests were made based on credible intelligence.

He noted that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that all measures be taken to ensure that those involved in the attack are prosecuted.

Adejobi further stated that the IGP is committed to maintaining law and order across the country and will not tolerate any form of anarchy or unrest.

He described the killing of police officers in the line of duty as “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing that those responsible must be brought to justice.

As investigations continue, the police have vowed to uncover the full extent of the attack and prevent future incidents of violence against officers.

The IGP expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased officers and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also called on the public to support the police in their efforts to uphold peace and security in the country.