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Kaduna State government lifts curfew

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has lifted the 6pm to 8am curfew in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs, effective immediately. 

According to Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, the council unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew after an extensive review of the security situation. 

“The removal of the curfew allows law-abiding citizens to move freely and engage in legitimate activities without restriction,” Aruwan said. 

However, the council warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with relevant agencies to maintain law and order, and security forces will continue to monitor potential threats to public peace. 

Governor Sani commended security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their roles in containing recent unrest, saying, “I assure them of my commitment to inclusive engagement for peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State.” 

The curfew was initially imposed following a breach of law and order in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide.

Tragedy as father, son die in Jigawa building collapse

By Uzair Adam

The Buji Local Government Council of Jigawa has confirmed the death of a 30-year-old man and his two-year-old son in a building collapse in Madabe village.

The council’s Information Officer, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu, disclosed that the boy’s 25-year-old mother survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The Daily Reality learned that the incident occurred on Sunday night during a heavy downpour. Badaruddeen Tijjani, the spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the state, confirmed the incident and mentioned that an investigation is underway.

The flood between Thursday and Sunday in some villages in the area displaced about 400 households and destroyed approximately 1,000 farms.

The State Management Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed relief items to the displaced persons camped in a local school.

Protest: Police apprehend 873 suspects for kidnapping, armed robbery in Kano

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended 873 suspects implicated in armed robbery, kidnapping, and other offences in the wake of the recently concluded nationwide protests.

These individuals, arrested from various locations across the state, were presented to the media at the command’s headquarters in Kano on Monday. 

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salma Dogo, highlighted the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding citizens’ rights to peaceful protest as key factors in these arrests.

Mr Dogo stated that 600 suspects were arrested during the protests for a range of offences in different parts of Kano State. 

Additionally, 150 individuals were detained for breaching the curfew, while six suspects were linked to orchestrating destruction and looting at the Kano State Printing Press.

Furthermore, the police arrested 76 individuals, including a foreign tailor, for displaying Russian flags and confiscated two AK-47 rifles along with other significant assets. 

Among those arrested were two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves, with a Beretta pistol also being recovered.

The police commissioner also mentioned that the command successfully rescued 13 victims of human trafficking. 

He assured the public that the suspects would face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded.

Mr Dogo urged the public to assist by providing intelligence information to help apprehend criminals. 

He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to proactively collaborating with other security agencies to address security threats.

NIS investigates woman for tearing husband’s passport at Lagos airport

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated an investigation into a viral video showing a woman tearing up a Nigerian Standard Passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. 

According to NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo, the individual involved has been identified and called in for further investigation. 

The video, widely shared on social media, shows a woman, identified as Mrs Igiebor, ripping her husband’s Nigerian passport shortly after their arrival at the Lagos Airport on Saturday, August 10, 2024. When confronted about her actions, Mrs. Igiebor responded, “Is it your passport?”

The NIS noted that the incident could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents. 

The act specifies penalties for such offences, and if the allegations are proven, the individual’s actions will breach these provisions. 

The corresponding penalties are detailed under Section 10(h) of the same Act, which includes a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

Kenneth Udo emphasised the Service’s dedication to enforcing the Immigration Act to protect national security and uphold the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.

Hunger Protest: Kano police deny reports of casualties

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman-Dogo Garba, stated that no deaths occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State, despite reports suggesting otherwise. 

At a press conference where suspects were paraded on Monday, Garba said, “Going by the records, so far, we are not aware of any casualties recorded.”

This claim contrasts with several media reports that assert at least five individuals were killed when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the protests.

Garba disclosed that the police arrested 873 suspects and successfully prosecuted 600 individuals for various offences, including “criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.” 

Additionally, 150 people were arrested for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government, and six suspects are under investigation for the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press.

The Commissioner of Police also revealed that 76 suspects, including a foreigner, were arrested for flying Russian flags and are being investigated for sedition at Force Headquarters in Abuja. 

Other arrests include 41 suspects linked to major crimes like “armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft,” and the police successfully recovered “two AK-47 Exhibit Rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Baku Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP), Super Markets.”

The command also rescued 13 trafficking victims and recovered various items, including “two AK-47 Rifles and one Beretta Pistol, 47 live ammunition, eight motor vehicles, and four sacks containing Exol Tablets.” 

Additional items recovered include “two Bajaj Boxer Motorcycles, 22 cows, 15 sheep, and four donkeys.”

He added that despite the challenges posed by the protests, Garba reiterated that the Kano State Police Command remains “committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.”

Hunger Protest: A cry for inclusivity and equal rights in Nigeria

By Muhammed Bello Umar 

The ongoing protest saga in Nigeria has brought to light the issue of hunger, which is affecting many Nigerians. The protests, which began as a call to end bad governance, have snowballed into a wider outcry against government corruption, poor governance, and economic hardship.

Many Nigerians, especially those in lower-income brackets, have been struggling to make ends meet due to the economic impact of the pandemic (hunger virus) and decades of mismanagement by the government. With the protests shutting down major cities across the country, many businesses have been forced to close, leaving workers without income.

It is important to acknowledge that bigotry and discrimination can exist in any society, including Nigeria. The Nigerian government and its citizens have the responsibility to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal rights for all individuals. 

The Nigerian Constitution provides for the protection of fundamental human rights, and it is essential that these rights are upheld and respected in all aspects of democratic practices.

A sharp rise in food prices has compounded the bigotry situation, as the cost of basic food items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil has skyrocketed. This has left many people unable to afford even the most basic necessities.

The government has responded by promising to address the concerns of the protesters and to implement reforms, but many Nigerians remain sceptical. In the meantime, this has made Nigerians keen on the government’s response to current happenings in society.

The hunger virus affecting Nigerians is a symptom of a much larger problem, and the country can only hope to overcome it through sustained efforts to address poverty and inequality.

There are roadblocks to a strong democracy in Nigeria at all levels of government. Conflict—triggered by political competition and communal, ethnic, religious or resource allocation rivalries—poses a major threat to democracy. Corruption pervades the daily lives of Nigerians.

Muhammed Bello Umar wrote via princemub28@gmail.com.

On the arrest of Dan Bello

By Zailani Bappa

The Sahara Reporters reports that the Kano All Progressive Congress (APC) has called for the arrest of Bello Galadanchi, popularly known as Dan Bello, “for inciting violence.” This comes after his smash video, released two days ago on his X handle.

On the special skit, he alleged an unwholesome practice by a former Commissioner for Local Government Affiars under the Governorship of Abdullahi Ganduje. He backed his claims with evidence, though.

Now, instead of going to court, the APC in the state has gone completely off balance (as the former Commissioner was its Deputy Governor-Candidate), forgot about the Nigerian Judicial System, and done the unthinkable. 

If I may ask, how can Dan Bello be arrested for this allegation, please? He does not live in Nigeria, where the APC rules; he lives and teaches English in China. Moreover, he is a United States Citizen, and the US is known to fiercely protect its citizens’ rights, lives, and property anywhere in the World.

If it is true that the APC is poised for a battle with this young man, someone should advise the Party to take it easy because this guy is equipped with everything it takes to do damage to its members and its Government, not only in Kano but beyond.

I say he is equipped because he has the required knowledge, intelligence, and journalistic acumen to dig; he has excellent film and skit facilities to make his messages appealing to anyone; and he has the protection he deserves to stay safe (especially if all his messages are true).

What is remarkable about Dan Bello so far is that, unlike most of our so-called investigative journalists in Nigeria, whose findings are often hijacked and promoted by equally corrupt politicians, he appears to be highly balanced in his presentations.

For those politicians who gloat over his recent searchlight on the Kano APC politician, they should be advised to keep off Dan Bello as their turn will surely come. 

May God protect the efforts of this young man and all his likes on social media.

Honest driver returns lost bag containing huge amount of money

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

A commercial motor vehicle driver has returned a lost bag containing a substantial amount of money to the Kano State Police Command. 

The driver, Safiyanu Mohammed, ‘m’, 36 Years old resides at Rangaza Quarters, Ungogo LGA, Kano State, a driver indigene of Katsina State, found the bag on Friday, 9th August 2024, at Hadejia Road by Dakata Junction, and handed it over to the Police Command.

The bag was found to contain a large sum of money, but no unique identification or contact information of the owner. 

The Kano State Police Command is now calling on the rightful owner of the bag to come forward and claim their property.

To facilitate the return of the bag, the owner is required to provide proof of ownership and identification. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, commended the commercial driver for his exemplary honesty and urge anyone with information about the owner’s identity to come forward.

Niger State governor denounces church burning, promises justice

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has strongly condemned the burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora town by suspected hoodlums, describing the act as “mindless and cowardly.” 

In a statement, Governor Bago stated that the attack was not only a violation of the Christian community but also a threat to the state’s harmony and unity. 

The governor assured citizens that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion, saying, “We will not condone this act of violence.” 

Governor Bago has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

He urged the people of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks, noting the importance of preserving peace and unity in the state.

Tragedy strikes in Jigawa as three teenage girls drown in Buji pond

By Uzair Adam 

Three teenage girls tragically drowned in a pond in the Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Saturday. 

The Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Dutse on Sunday.

The girls, identified as Fatima Sule (12), Nasiya Sale (12), and Huwaila Sa’adu (13), all from Tulla village, were reportedly cutting grass to feed their livestock near the pond when the accident occurred around 11 a.m.

According to the NSCDC, they received a distress call from the Tulla community shortly after 11 a.m. They quickly responded by sending officers, including divisional disaster management officers, to the scene for a rescue mission. 

Community members and NSCDC personnel worked together and were able to recover the bodies after approximately 30 minutes of searching.

The girls were taken to the nearest health centre, where they were pronounced dead. 

The investigation indicated that the spot where they were gathering grass was the same place where they drowned.

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Muhammad Danjuma, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged parents to monitor their children closely, especially during times when ponds and rivers are swollen, to prevent such tragedies.