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By Uzair Adam

A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has taken legal steps against Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member from Abia State, following an alleged assault incident in Abuja.

According to Abuwatseya’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arraignment will take place today at Kuje Magistrate Court.

He confirmed, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr. Stephen, a Bolt driver,” adding that media personnel are invited to cover the 12 pm session.

This incident, which has gained significant media attention, follows a report from the Nigeria Police Force that it had launched an “impartial” investigation into Ikwechegh’s actions.

The lawmaker is accused of physically assaulting and threatening the driver, with parts of the altercation captured in a video that quickly went viral on social media.

The footage allegedly shows Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, slapping and verbally abusing the driver for requesting he approach the car to collect a delivery.

Ikwechegh reportedly threatened to “make the driver disappear” without consequence, even breaking the driver’s phone and tearing his clothes in a display of authority.

In a statement released Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi expressed the police’s commitment to a thorough investigation.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an impartial investigation into the matter and wishes to reaffirm its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.”

The incident reportedly occurred on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.

By Uzair Adam

A Sharia Court in Kofar Kudu, Kano State, has ordered the remand of Nasiru Mukhtar, accused of assaulting an Imam at a mosque in Tudunwada.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on October 22, 2024, around 5 a.m. when Mukhtar allegedly approached Imam Malam Murtala Sulaiman during the early morning prayers, grabbed him by the neck, slapped him, tore his clothing, and took his microphone.

Following the incident, Malam Sulaiman reported the case to the Kano State Police Command.

The charges against Mukhtar, according to the police, align with Sections 165 and 166 of the Kano State Penal Code.

During the court proceedings, the accused pleaded not guilty.

The presiding judge, Malam Isah Rabi’u Gaya, rejected the defense’s bail application and ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Mukhtar to assess his mental state.

The judge has set the case’s next hearing for November 22, 2024, pending further investigations.

By Uzair Adam

A High Court in Kano State on Tuesday ordered the remand of Zhang Qunfang, a Chinese national, in a correctional facility over allegations of forgery and destruction of property belonging to Huafei International Nigeria Ltd., located at No. 52 Hadejia Road, Gezawa District Area, Kano.

During the arraignment before Justice Ma’aji, prosecution counsel Eristio Asaph from the Force Headquarters legal department presented a charge filed on October 3, 2024, requesting the court’s approval to read the charges to the defendant.

However, defense counsel Ibrahim Abdullahi Chedi opposed the reading, contending that the case was not ready for arraignment as Qunfang had only received the charges that day.

He noted that Qunfang, arrested by INTERPOL in Abuja, had been granted administrative bail and argued that, according to Section 127 Sub 2 of the ACJL 2019, the defendant should be served seven days prior.

The prosecution responded that the defendant had refused to accept the charge sheet post-release on bail. After reviewing both sides, Justice Ma’aji granted permission to proceed with reading the two-count charge.

According to the charge, Qunfang allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Zhu Bin, a company client, to add her name as a signatory and used her access to withdraw $80,000 from the company’s account without approval from other directors.

Additionally, she is accused of intentionally demolishing a building owned by Huafei International Nigeria Ltd.

The prosecution asserted that these acts violate sections of the Penal Code Law. Qunfang pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court adjourned the session to November 1, 2024, to address the defense’s bail application and ordered her remand in custody pending the hearing.

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu

Nigeria has selected the Kannywood film ‘Mai Martaba’ as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film (IIF) category at the 97th Academy Awards, also known as Oscars.

The 15-member Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) confirmed in its official statement that the selection was made after a rigorous voting session.

Mai Martaba is a historical epic featuring 500 actors that showcases northern Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. It tells the story of the succession struggle between competing claimants for the throne of the fictitious Jallaba Kingdom.

Reacting to the selection, the film’s director, Prince Daniel Aboki, expressed his delight, adding, “It is a privilege to represent our country at this prestigious global event.” 

He added, “Mai Martaba is more than just a story; it’s a celebration of our culture, struggles, and triumphs as Nigerians. We’re bringing the voices and stories of our people to the global stage, sharing the heart of Nigeria with the world.” 

The film, which stands as the most expensive Kannywood production, was also selected for the Septimus Awards in Amsterdam before its theatrical release in Nigeria in July 2024.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which organises the Oscars, confers the IFF Award yearly to a feature-length film produced outside the US with at least 50% non-English dialogue.

A shortlist of 15 finalists will be revealed on December 17, 2024, followed by the announcement of the final five nominees on January 17, 2025.

This marks the second time a Hausa film has been selected for the Oscars, following The Milkmaid (directed by Ovbiagele, 2020).

However, unlike The Milkmaid, whose Kannywood identity is disputed, Mai Martaba is a bona fide Kannywood production, proudly representing the Hausa film industry’s cinematic talent.

The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

Electricity is slowly becoming history in the North, over a week without a flash of light. Nothing has ever been taken seriously by our northern politicians. They only prioritize politics over the needs of people.

Some believe that electricity is just for lighting our homes and charging our phones, but it goes far beyond that.

Prices for water and other materials needed for electricity generation have skyrocketed in these eight days without power, and they will likely remain high even after electricity is restored.

During this financial crisis, the lack of electricity has severely impacted many small business owners who rely on nighttime hours to support their families.

Additionally, power outages put people’s property at risk, leading to security challenges. Our brothers and sisters in hospitals are also struggling.

If you hear someone in the North complaining, it often affects them personally or someone close to them.

We tend to care only about ourselves and our families, with only a few among us showing generosity.

We are always praying for a better Nigeria but change begins with yourself and myself.

Coming to Europe—legally or otherwise—is not easy. Countries, including Germany, have tightened their immigration policies and continue to do so.

Of course, several European countries have a shortage of highly skilled workers. However, they follow due, often bureaucratic, processes to hire those workers.

I don’t know how to hire or influence anybody or any institution to hire anyone. If I knew, my immediate family and close friends would be the first I would bring here, not “random” social media contacts.

I appeal to some people who contact me via DM about job and scholarship opportunities in Germany. I share such openings here and, especially, on LinkedIn. Try your luck and pray. Muhsin may not be able to help you in the way you think.

Everything is available on the Internet. Explore sites and YouTube. But don’t fall for scammers. Your employers will not ask you for money; instead, they will pay you. Scholarships are not for sale. Your qualifications and competence will earn you one.

May the Almighty God make it easy for everyone, amin. May you secure your dream job or scholarship sooner than you anticipate, amin.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim teaches at the University of Cologne in Germany and he can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has teamed up with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to host a workshop on “Gender Diversity” at the Old Federal Secretariat in Garki, Abuja.

The event, which began on Monday, October 28, 2024, reaffirms Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to creating a work environment where every officer thrives, regardless of gender. 

Chief Superintendent of Customs Zara Musa, representing Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan, emphasized the workshop’s importance in fostering a workplace with equal opportunities for growth and success.

“This workshop will pave the way for officers to contribute fully to the Service’s success, regardless of gender. CGC Adeniyi remains committed to nurturing a gender-inclusive environment within the NCS,” Musa stated. 

This initiative follows a previous capacity-building session in April 2024 on gender inclusivity, demonstrating CGC Adeniyi’s efforts to advance gender equality across the Service.

“These initiatives form a series of efforts under CGC Adeniyi’s tenure aimed at advancing gender equality across the Service, promoting a culture where diverse perspectives contribute to enhanced Customs operations,” the National Contact Point added. 

Jennifer Goistene Burs from the WCO highlighted the strategic impact of gender inclusivity on service delivery.

“We are committed to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in finalizing the draft action plan on Gender Equality and Diversity, which was developed following the sub-regional workshop organized in April,” she said.

Experts Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom also shared insights on fostering a supportive workplace culture. 

The WCO has been actively promoting gender equality and diversity in customs administrations globally, providing tools and resources to support its members.

This collaborative effort between the NCS and WCO aims to strengthen inclusivity and empower officers to contribute to the Service’s success.

By Anwar Usman 

The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday arresty a notorious kingpin identified as Inuwa Zakari, also known as “Gundura,” together with 14 others. 

SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest through a press statement released to journalists in Kano. 

Gundura, aged 24, who was wanted for terrorising the metropolis, was also identified as the assaulter who attacked a Vigilance Group Commander, which caused life-threatening injuries and damaging a police vehicle. 

The arrests were made during clearance operations conducted between 25 and 27 October 2024, following directives from the State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, to launch aggressive action against thuggery. 

The police sent a clear and strong warning that such violent activities would not be tolerated. 

The assailants are currently under investigation at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and, upon completion, will be charged in court to face the full wrath of the law. 

The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support and cooperation.

He stated, “This isn’t the first time the Kano State Police Command has taken a serious action against criminal activity.”

By Uzair Adam 

The Imo State Police Command has detained a 17-year-old undergraduate, Jesse Chidiebere, from Imo State University (IMSU), for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and death. 

ASP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, released a statement in Owerri confirming the incident.

According to Okoye, the staged abduction caused severe distress to Chidiebere’s family and the university community. 

The incident unfolded on the night of October 26 when a message from Chidiebere’s WhatsApp account claimed she had been abducted and killed, directing her family to confirm the news at the Orji Police Station.

Acting on a distress call from concerned citizens, police launched an investigation, only to discover the following morning that Chidiebere was safe and that the incident was a social media prank. 

The police spokesperson noted that an investigation is ongoing to determine her motives, and Chidiebere will face prosecution. 

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma expressed disappointment over the “irresponsible behaviour,” noting that the incident wasted valuable resources and caused unnecessary public panic. 

He advised parents to caution their children against dangerous pranks and the spread of misinformation.

“The command is dedicated to tackling misinformation and maintaining public safety throughout the state,” Danjuma emphasized.

By Anwar Usman

A meeting between the Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council is currently underway in Kaduna. The two groups hope to tackle the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was in attendance at the meeting, which took place at the state government House.

While welcoming his colleagues, Muhammadu Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, called for collective action to tackle the challenges bedevilling the region.

The region is battling insecurity, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and youth restiveness.

Yahaya reiterated the need for collective action. He said, “Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.”

The governor also acknowledged these challenges. He said, “Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”

The governors proposed various ways to tackle these challenges, including “sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; attracting investment to northern states; providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

“Partnering with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.”

In his remarks earlier, Kaduna Governor and chief host, Senator Uba Sani, welcomed his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region and the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasising unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging, “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.