Month: January 2025

PSC orders retirement for officers over 60 or with 35 years of service

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed all police officers who have reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of service to retire in accordance with government civil service regulations.

This directive aligns with the guidelines governing mandatory retirement ages for government employees.

The PSC reiterated that no extensions would be granted to senior officers who are retiring.

The commission also stated that there are sufficient personnel within the police force to replace them.

Additionally, the PSC expressed support for the order from the Inspector-General of Police, which instructed officers meeting the retirement criteria to submit their retirement documents promptly.

Kano police arrest suspected terrorist, foil attack

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a wanted terrorist and his wife in a major operation aimed at dismantling a terrorist network attempting to establish a base in the state.

The suspect, Ahmad Adam Abba, a Chadian national, was wanted for masterminding the brutal killing of 17 people in Chad.

While he managed to escape from Nigeria, his wife and two associates—another Chadian named Jibrin Mohammed (42) and a Nigerian accomplice—were captured in a decisive police operation.

The command also recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), preventing what could have been a deadly attack.

Commissioner of Police Salman Dogo Garba, speaking at a press briefing on Friday at the Bompai Police Headquarters, reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to ensuring that Kano does not become a safe haven for terrorists.

Recall that last week Friday, January 24, the police issued a security alert, warning the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities after intelligence reports suggested the presence of terrorists planning an attack in the state.

However, the timing of the warning—on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration of the Tijjaniyya sect—sparked controversy, with some accusing the police of attempting to disrupt the religious gathering.

Despite the criticisms, the command intensified its surveillance, working closely with intelligence agencies to track down suspected terrorists. Their efforts led to the arrest of Abba’s associates and the recovery of explosives.

“These criminals thought they could establish a foothold in our state, but they underestimated our resolve. There is no hiding place for them,” Garba declared.

He urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies, stressing that intelligence-sharing is crucial in preventing security threats.

With the latest breakthrough, Kano residents remain on high alert as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle any remaining terrorist networks.

JAMB shifts 2025 UTME registration date to 3 February

By Anwar Usman

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said the registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has now been shifted to Monday, February 3, 2025, instead of Friday, January 31, 2025, as earlier slated.

The Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He said the change was necessary to allow the Board to implement essential adjustments to its registration templates.

“These adjustments came in light of the recent suspension of certain law programmes at selected universities, as submitted to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.

“Additionally, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive facilities to be approved, prompting the need for further scrutiny and corrections by disapproving such centres”.

He further stated, “The Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience”.

He said the additional time would be used to ensure that all necessary changes were implemented for a smooth registration process.

Italy blocks DeepSeek over data privacy concerns

By Maryam Ahmad

The Italian government has blocked the Chinese AI app DeepSeek due to concerns about data privacy. Garante, the country’s data protection authority, stated that the app failed to provide sufficient details on how it collects and stores user data, raising security risks.

As a result, DeepSeek has been removed from app stores in Italy but remains available in other countries. This move highlights growing global concerns about AI applications and data protection.

With AI adoption increasing in Nigeria, this development raises questions about how such apps handle user data and the need for stronger regulations to protect personal information.

Kaduna governor approves N548m teachers funds

By Anwar Usman

The Kaduna State Government has approved N548 million to the Nigeria Union of Teachers Endwell Fund, resolving a long time dispute between the state government and the union.

The dispute, which had been ongoing for several years, was resolved following the intervention of the state governor, Uba Sani, who directed the immediate release of the funds to the NUT.

The acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Mubarak Mohammed, made this known at a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday.

He said, “I am pleased to announce that Governor Uba Sani has successfully resolved the long-standing dispute between the Kaduna State Government and the NUT regarding the NUT Endwell Fund”.

The NUT Endwell Fund is a statutory deductions from teachers’ salaries, aimed at supporting them during service and retirement.

Mohammed further explained that the dispute was resolved as a result of a series of negotiations between the state government and the NUT.

“Under the agreement, all litigation related to the NUT Endwell Fund will be discontinued, and the sum of N548 million will be released to the NUT to manage the Endwell Fund independently,” he said.

He further revealed that the NUT Endwell Scheme will undergo a structural reform to ensure improved efficiency and accountability.

He said, “Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to education and teacher welfare has been evident since his assumption of office in May 2023.According to the chairman SUBEB, the resolution of the dispute is expected to reinvigorate the relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the NUT and to enhance the overall quality of education in the state.

“This resolution paves the way for a renewed, cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Government, the NUT, and the teachers of Kaduna State,” Mohammed said.

The resolution of the dispute has been welcomed by the NUT, which has commended the governor for his intervention.

The Chairman of the NUT in Kaduna State, Ibrahim Dalhatu, acknowledged that the released N548m would surely improve the welfare of teachers in the state.

He also expressed their gratitude to Governor Uba Sani.

NEF condemns arrest of former NHIS boss, calls for his immediate release

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, describing it as a political maneuver aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Professor Yusuf was apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on January 29, 2025. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 30, 2025.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant Yusuf’s bail, stating that the case should be adjourned to allow the EFCC time to amend the charges against him.

Reacting to the development, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, described the arrest as part of a broader political scheme to suppress opposition voices critical of certain government policies.

The group has called for Yusuf’s immediate release and reiterated that silencing dissenting voices undermines the democratic process.

Elders Forum condemns arrest of former NHIS boss, demands his release

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, describing it as a political manoeuvre aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Professor Yusuf was apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on January 29, 2025. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 30, 2025.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant Yusuf’s bail, stating that the case should be adjourned to allow the EFCC time to amend the charges against him.

Reacting to the development, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, described the arrest as part of a broader political scheme to suppress opposition voices critical of certain government policies. The group has called for Yusuf’s immediate release, emphasising that silencing dissenting voices undermines democracy.

Niger fuel tanker tragedy: A lesson yet to be learned

By Abubakar Musa Idris 

Tragedy struck again in Nigeria on Saturday as a devastating fuel tanker explosion claimed lives and left others injured, highlighting the alarming reoccurrence of such disasters.

Just last year, specifically on 15 October 2024, a fuel tanker in Majiya town, Jigawa State, erupted in flames after residents rushed out to scoop petrol from it. This tragic incident claimed the lives of over 150 people, leaving countless others injured and traumatised. Sadly, this year, we have witnessed another devastating fuel tanker accident in the Dikko area of Niger State, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives.

The frequency of these accidents raises a troubling question: Why do Nigerians continue to risk their lives by scooping fuel from tankers, despite the clear dangers? Is it a lack of awareness regarding the associated risks, or is it the harsh economic situation that compels people to take such drastic measures?

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded over 300 fuel tanker accidents between 2020 and 2022. Alarmingly, the FRSC listed fuel tanker accidents as one of the leading causes of road crashes in 2020, resulting in more than 535 fatalities.

Experts attribute the persistence of fuel scooping to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to affordable fuel. “Many Nigerians are forced to scoop fuel due to economic necessity,” says Dr. Afolabi, a safety expert. “However, this practice is not only hazardous but also perpetuates a culture of recklessness.”

Regrettably, the recent fuel tanker accident in Nigeria is not an isolated incident. Just last year, a fuel tanker accident in Minna, Niger State, claimed the lives of over 50 individuals. In 2022, a fuel tanker crashed on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in 12 fatalities. Comparable incidents have taken place in Kaduna, leading to substantial loss of life and property. These recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for action to tackle the root causes of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria.

The dangers of fuel scooping are genuine and severe. The risks of explosions, fires, and spills are always present, and the consequences can be devastating.

The government and relevant stakeholders must take concrete steps to address this issue. One way to combat the menace of fuel scooping and ensure road safety is to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. 

 It is essential to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should concentrate on informing the public about the dangers of fuel scooping, the significance of road safety, and the repercussions of reckless behaviour. Raising awareness and fostering a culture of safety are vital steps towards reducing the frequency of fuel tanker accidents and saving lives.

Enhancing safety regulations is another critical strategy for preventing fuel scooping and ensuring accountability. Strengthening existing laws and regulations and enforcing stricter safety standards for fuel transportation, storage, and handling can help prevent accidents. This, in turn, reduces the risk of fuel tanker accidents and protects lives and property.

Investing in enhanced road infrastructure and fuel storage facilities is crucial for minimising the risk of accidents and spills. Upgrading roads to alleviate congestion and enhance safety, alongside constructing modern fuel storage facilities that comply with international safety standards, are vital measures to consider. Such investments not only mitigate the risk of fuel tanker accidents but also safeguard lives and property, whilst fostering economic growth and development.

As Nigerians mourn the lives lost in these tragic accidents, we must also recognize the need for collective action. The government, stakeholders, and individuals must join forces to address the root causes of fuel scooping and ensure a safer future for all Nigerians.

These fuel tanker tragedies represent more than just statistics; they serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures. While immediate actions like public education and stricter regulations are crucial, the real test lies in Nigeria’s ability to create an environment where citizens no longer feel compelled to risk their lives for fuel. Until we achieve this fundamental change, we will continue to count losses instead of progress.

Abubakar Musa Idris is a PRNigeria fellow and wrote via abkidris99@gmail.com.

1446AH: Sultan of Sokoto declares Friday start of Sha’aban month

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs announced yesterday that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH was not spotted anywhere in Nigeria.

This declaration, made in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, holds great significance for Muslims as Sha’aban precedes Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.

According to Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, “no credible reports of moon sighting were received from any part of Nigeria.”

Consequently, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be observed as the 30th day of Rajab 1446AH as his Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has accepted the report and officially declared Friday, January 31, 2025, as the first day of Sha’aban 1446AH.

As stated, “The announcement is significant for the Muslim community, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. The declaration ensures uniformity in the Islamic calendar, guiding religious observances across Nigeria.”

The Sultanate Council urged Muslims to adhere to official announcements regarding Islamic dates and prepare spiritually for Ramadan.

Couple arrested for illegal marriage ceremony in Kano restaurant

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a man and his girlfriend for allegedly solemnising their marriage at Banana Restaurant on Zoo Road, Kano.

The board’s Deputy Commander General of Operations, Dr. Mujahideen Abubakar, confirmed the arrests to Daily Reality Online on Thursday, explaining that the Hisbah personnel raided the restaurant on Wednesday night following a tip-off.

Abubakar described the incident as “unfortunate” and noted that the marriage ceremony was conducted without the consent of the couple’s parents and with no formal legal or religious procedure.

According to him, the ceremony was orchestrated by the groom’s friends.

“We are not going to allow any violation of the Shari’a in this state,” Abubakar stated, adding that the board is actively pursuing the other individuals involved, as several guests fled the scene before Hisbah personnel arrived.

The deputy commander also noted that the couple’s actions breached several essential marriage conditions, violating the principles of Shari’a law.