News

By Uzair Adam 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed a suit filed by Kogi State and 18 other states seeking to invalidate the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday by a seven-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the apex court ruled that the EFCC Establishment Act of 2002 did not require ratification by state Houses of Assembly. 

The court emphasized that the Act was a federal law enacted by the National Assembly, which holds the constitutional power to legislate on such matters.

The plaintiffs, through their Attorneys General, had argued that the EFCC was created without compliance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which they claimed mandated the approval of state Houses of Assembly. 

They asserted that the EFCC Establishment Act originated from an international convention and should have been subjected to a domestication process involving the states.

Rejecting these claims, the Supreme Court held that the National Assembly acted within its legislative competence in creating the EFCC. 

The court further noted that the EFCC Act, along with other anti-corruption laws, is binding on all states, as it does not conflict with the Constitution.

The Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as a challenge to the country’s anti-corruption framework. 

Fagbemi argued that the EFCC and related agencies were validly established under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and financial crimes.

The ruling affirms the legal standing of the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU as critical agencies in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes.

By Anwar Usman 

The All Progressives Congress Zamfara State chapter on Thursday applauded President Bola Tinubu for ignoring calls for the dismissal of his Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, making it clear that the allegation he sponsored some of the bandits terrorising the state was unfounded. 

The party also called on the current governor, Dauda Lawal, to consider deploying both the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches used by his predecessor to combat the worsening insecurity in the state. 

The appeal came two days after hundreds of women and youths from the state partake in a protest at the Department of State Services headquarters in Abuja over the worsening insecurity in Zamfara. 

The protesters also suspect the immediate past governor of the state for the activities of the bandits, which they said were a result of his alleged collaboration with them during his administration. 

The angry protesters, who arrived in about 12 long buses, were restricted from accessing the premises of the security agency. 

While addressing journalists in Abuja, the Zamfara APC Youth Coordinator, Ubaidullah Kaura, expressed concern that Lawal, who won the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, had failed to build on the progress made by his predecessor, particularly in the area of security. 

Kaura further reiterated that allegiance to different political parties should not be an excuse for not seeking continuity in governance.

He said, “We want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and allowing him to continue serving as the Minister of State for Defence in his cabinet. 

“Those protesters going from the EFCC to DSS alleging that Matawalle is involved with bandits and demanding his sacking are sponsored groups. We thank God the presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, has denied this. Even the NSA to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has also cleared the air after his investigation. 

“During the Matawalle administration, security challenges were tackled effectively with a balanced approach that combined both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. We urged Governor Lawal to revisit the handover notes left by the minister and do all that is necessary to tackle insecurity in the state.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved its 2024 revenue target after collecting N5.07 trillion with over a month left in the fiscal year. 

This is contained in a statement released by the service today via its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada. 

According to the statement, this milestone reflects the service’s ongoing dedication to trade facilitation and economic growth.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hailed this exceptional achievement as a testament to the strategic engagements and collaborative efforts that have been the cornerstone of the service’s approach this year. 

The NCS’s success story in 2024 demonstrates a clear alignment with the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda, which proved that strategic reforms, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration are pivotal in driving Nigeria’s economic progress.

The Service’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment has garnered significant recognition, with a remarkable leap of 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings. 

Adeniyi stated that the NCS’s achievements are a result of sustained reforms, which are aligned with global best practices.

These reforms have improved the efficiency of customs processes, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and optimised revenue CVcollection methods.

The NCS has also made big strides in trade facilitation, with Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which made the country’s practical commitment to continental trade integration.

By Uzair Adam

A petrol tanker burst into flames near the Jigawa-Kano border, causing alarm among nearby residents and travelers in Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria.

Aliyu M. A., Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Jigawa State Command, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

He stated that on November 12, 2024, around 10:43 a.m., the FFS received an emergency call from Kuho Village Head, Zubairu Ahmad, reporting a tanker accident at Tsaida, Kwanar Kalle, near Gamoji village along Maiduri Road.

“The FFS responded promptly, arriving at the scene at 10:50 a.m. The fire was contained and brought under control,” Aliyu said.

This incident follows a similar accident just one month prior, on October 15, 2024, in Majia, Taura Local Government Area, which tragically claimed over 170 lives when a petrol-laden truck exploded while traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, accused of impersonating the commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in an attempt to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko.

The Daily Reality gathered that the suspects appeared on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.

According to EFCC reports, Joshua and Hashim allegedly contacted Bello-Koko, claiming they could influence a supposed investigation against him.

They demanded $1 million to secure favorable treatment, threatening him with arrest and prosecution if he did not comply.

The defendants face a four-count charge under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which includes allegations of impersonation and attempted fraud.

Court proceedings revealed that on September 28, 2024, the duo allegedly sought $700,000 from Bello-Koko to halt a non-existent EFCC investigation.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty. EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested that the suspects remain in custody until their trial, while the defense applied for bail.

Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to Joshua under stringent conditions, including a bond of N100 million and two level-16 civil service sureties.

Both defendants are to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met, with the second defendant’s bail hearing scheduled for November 18, 2024.

The two suspects, allegedly part of a four-man syndicate posing as EFCC officials, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Abuja’s Garki and Apo areas.

By Uzair Adam

A research expert and communications lecturer at Kano State Polytechnic, Malam Aisar Fagge, has expressed deep concern over the rise of online sports betting among Nigerian youth, especially university students.

He attributed this trend to the worsening economic hardships, unemployment and a widespread “get-rich-quick” mentality, which he warns is leading to dishonest behaviors and damaging lifestyles.

According to Fagge, research reveals that a significant portion of those involved in online gambling are university students, whose academic performance suffers as they dedicate countless hours to betting instead of their studies.

He shared these insights as the lead speaker during a seminar at Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, where he cited empirical findings across geo-political zones in Nigeria indicating that 66 percent of online sports gamblers are students.

Alarmingly, he noted that gambling losses have led some young people to attempt suicide.

During the event, titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities,” Fagge defined online gambling as the risky investment of money in hopes of gain or, in extreme cases, even personal belongings like wives, which he described as madness.

He voiced alarm over this disturbing trend, highlighting that these youths are supposed to be the future leaders of society but are instead risking their lives for gambling—a problem that has been repeatedly reported in various situations and times.

He noted that while online gambling is globally popular, it has particularly gained a foothold among African youth.

He stated that in Kenya, for instance, 84 percent of young people engage in online betting daily, with Nigeria ranking close behind.

Fagge warned that Nigeria might soon surpass Kenya in gambling numbers due to its large population, a trend he sees as unfortunate given the many productive ways students could use their phones to earn a living.

He also cited how this activity goes against Islamic teachings, as mentioned in the Qur’an.

He further explained that, in the past, gambling was considered anti-social in Hausa communities, but modern technology now provides anonymity, making it easier and more enticing.

He blames the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and X for promoting this activity.

Despite acknowledging the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, he stressed the importance of patience and resilience, reminding his audience of the Islamic belief that life’s tests are part of a divine plan.

“Although we all know the current economic situation in Nigeria, we must remember that we are Muslims. Allah clearly states that He will test us. This is life: today may be good, tomorrow may be bad.”

He pointed out that although online gambling is prevalent among youths, the situation in Northern Nigeria remains better than in Southern regions, like Lagos, where many shops openly facilitate gambling.

Fagge cited a 2024 study by Olusegun et al., highlighting that 79 percent of online gamblers in Nigeria are young people aged 18 to 35. He also cited incidences were some students committed suicide for losing money during betting and the drop-outs who used their registration fees for sports betting.

Football, he noted, has the highest following in sports betting, with 74 percent of bets nationwide placed on football matches, which fuels the global popularity of the sport.

He shared the story of a young businessman who, over seven years, lost over 18 million naira, with his largest win being only 360,000 naira.

He urged youths to quit gambling before they reach the stage of addiction which is considered as a “point of no return,” cautioning, “Once someone crosses that point, it’s hard to stop, with the hope that they might win someday.”

The Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Professor Salisu Sheshu, commended the lecture as timely and vital, given the audience—digital natives. He encouraged students to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar.

The Daily Reality reports that the event gathered academics from within and outside the university, along with guests and numerous students.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Professor Salisu Shehu, has commended The Daily Reality team for their outstanding support toward the university.

Prof. Shehu noted that the online newspaper has offered remarkable support to the institution since its establishment in 2022, with numerous reports about the university featured prominently on its platform.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke during a seminar titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities.”

The event, organized in honour of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Day, featured The Daily Reality’s editor, Malam Aisar Fagge, as the lead speaker.

“Malam Aisar Fagge is a renowned figure on social media, and most of you see his posts on Facebook. He’s a teacher-journalist. He teaches journalism and practices it. They are the publishers of The Daily Reality [online newspaper]. The media has carried and shared a lot of information about Al-Istiqama University and has publicized us widely. May Allah bless them,” said Prof. Shehu.

In response, Malam Aisar Fagge expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his dedication to advancing the university.

He said, “I am thrilled by the positive changes I’ve seen in this university. The progress is impressive. The university got the leadership it deserves.”

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that between 2023 and 2024, Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) claimed the lives of 361 individuals across 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Abuja. 

During an update on the ongoing Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks, Dr Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, highlighted that these fatalities were recorded in 174 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide. Additionally, the country has seen 4,915 suspected cases and 380 confirmed cases of CSM during the same period.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis is characterised by acute inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

This inflammation can result from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as from injuries or certain medications.

Dr. Idris emphasised that CSM is an epidemic-prone disease with year-round cases reported in Nigeria. He noted that environmental factors, particularly during the dry season marked by dust storms, cold nights, and increased respiratory infections, heighten the risk of infection, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings.

The “Meningitis Belt,” which encompasses all 19 northern states, the FCT, and parts of southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, bears the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria.

In response to this public health challenge, over 2.28 million Men5CV-ACWYX meningitis vaccines have been administered in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa across 134 wards in 13 LGAs.

The vaccination campaign primarily targets individuals aged 1 to 29, representing approximately 70% of the population.

Dr. Idris concluded that despite recent advancements in surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and vaccination efforts, CSM remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria. Due to its recurrent outbreaks in high-burden states, the disease continues to pose challenges for individuals, health systems, economies, and communities.

By Anas Abbas

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of actively undermining Nigeria’s public education system.

This allegation comes amidst the union’s frustration over the ongoing delays in renegotiating its 2009 agreement with the federal government, despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), ASUU President.

 Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment that the agreement has yet to be finalized.

During the ASUU Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony held in Abuja, Prof. Osodeke raised concerns about various issues, including the mandatory Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the suspension of salaries for ASUU members for three and a half months.

In a positive development, ASUU announced that it had awarded selected members PhD grants worth N500,000 each after thoroughly evaluating proposals. 

Prof. Osodeke praised the members for their unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s public university system and extended his support to ASUU members facing challenges at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The Heroes Day event recognizes past and present members for their dedication to enhancing public education. Prof. Osodeke paid tribute to the late Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president, and others who have made significant contributions to the union’s objectives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba as Technical Adviser for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, effective September 28, 2024.

This landmark decision aims to bolster Kano State’s humanitarian and poverty alleviation efforts.

Dr. Magashi brings over 30 years of experience in development and humanitarian work to the role. 

Dr. Magashi’s credentials and dedication to public service have earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in achieving the administration’s humanitarian goals.

His notable roles include serving as Chair of the AMG Foundation, leading the Health Policy and Planning Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, and being the pioneering coordinator of the Kano State Cancer Care Center.

He also led the technical committee that developed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s campaign blueprint in 2022. 

As a Technical Adviser, Dr. Magashi is expected to guide the ministry in developing impactful strategies that address the pressing needs of Kano’s communities.

Governor Yusuf noted Dr. Magashi’s commitment to improving the lives of Kano’s underserved communities, aligning with the administration’s goals.