News

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has issued an interim order to prevent federal agencies from interfering with the monthly statutory allocations meant for Kano State’s 44 local government councils.

The ruling came after members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other concerned residents filed a Motion Ex-Parte on November 1, 2024.

The applicants, including Ibrahim Uba Shehu, Ibrahim Shehu Abubakar, Usman Isa, Sarki Alhaji Kurawa, and Malam Usman Imam, expressed concerns over potential delays or withholding of essential funds for local governance.

In the order dated November 4, Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad granted permission for the applicants to serve court documents to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and eight commercial banks.

The case, filed by Bashir Yusif Muhammad Esq and Umar Bala Salisu Esq, highlights the impact that withholding these allocations could have on local government operations.

Justice Muhammad stated that federal agencies, their representatives, or agents must refrain from actions that could hinder disbursement of the funds.

The court appointed Red Star Express Plc as a special bailiff to ensure service of the documents to respondents, who are outside the court’s jurisdiction in Kano State.

The interim injunction explicitly prohibits any measures to delay, withhold, or interfere with the funds until the court addresses the motion on notice.

The matter has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, when the court will further hear the motion.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.

He died at the age of 56 on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness, as confirmed in a statement from the Presidency signed by Bayo Onanuga.

Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, began his distinguished career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, he held various leadership positions, including platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He contributed to several key security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his dedication to professional development.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his contributions to the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to wipe out poverty in Nigeria.

Sani made this known at a town hall meeting and sensitization event on Tuesday in Kaduna for the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund and Loans Scheme for SSMEs, which the Federal Government organised in collaboration with the Bank of Industry.

He was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Mr Ibrahim Muhammad.

He said the fund, which includes the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and loan options for MSMEs, is designed to boost Nigeria’s economy by empowering local entrepreneurs.

“This massive presidential initiative is proof that President Tinubu is a listening leader.

“Through these stimulus packages, small businesses and manufacturing enterprises will be revitalized, significantly benefiting both sub-national economies and Nigeria as a whole.”

He also emphasised the importance of MSMEs in driving job creation, innovation, and economic resilience, noting that Kaduna’s government is committed to fostering a supportive business environment.

The governor praised the timing of the fund, calling it a valuable support for Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to boost the local economy, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurial growth.

He urged all stakeholders to spread awareness of the initiative to maximize its impact.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Caroline Bala, one of the grant beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the financial assistance that enabled her to start a soya milk business after she lost her previous job.

Bala said her business has been thriving, with daily earnings between 10,000 to 15,000 Naira.

She urged the organisers to sustain the initiative and ensure that deserving citizens continue to benefit from the grant, which she described as a life-changing opportunity.

Another beneficiary, Mr Albert Ibrahim, said he utilised the grant to purchase herbicides for his farm, resulting in a bumper harvest.

He expressed hope that others would also have the chance to benefit from this scheme.

Similarly, Summayya Ibrahim thanked the government for the support, adding that she looked forward to more assistance to enable broader outreach to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Muktar Aliyu, a cartoonist, said he used his grant to purchase specialised software to enhance his creative work.

He also appreciated the scheme, noting that it has greatly impacted his career.

Additionally, Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe of the Bank of Industry outlined the eligibility criteria for both the grant and loan schemes, emphasizing the administration’s intent to tackle economic challenges through MSMEs as a key sector for development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian national grid has suffered another collapse, leaving the country in darkness.

This latest incident marks the ninth grid failure in 2024, with three occurring within one week in October.As of 2:35 pm on Tuesday, hourly generation readings showed that none of the Power Generation Companies had a single megawatt.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had previously blamed the development on a fire outbreak at the Jebba transmission station.

TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, noted that between 2020 and 2024, the nation recorded 14 total and six partial grid disturbances, totaling 20.

Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, attributed the frequent collapse of the national grid to outdated infrastructure.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has expressed concern over the escalating incidence of grid disturbances, which often lead to marked outages in several states, reversing gains made in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability.

By Uzair Adam

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.

Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.

The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.

Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.

This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.

Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.

Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.

By Uzair Adam

The Osun State Police Command has detained a man identified as Saudi for allegedly killing his father in a farm located in Ilusi village.

This shocking incident marks a rare and tragic occurrence for the local community.

According to sources, the deceased, known as Baale, was reported missing on Thursday after heading to the farm earlier in the day.

When he did not return home, a search team was organized, consisting mostly of village youth.

On Friday, the search team discovered Baale’s headless body on the farm, partially covered with palm leaves.

Ismail Olaolu, a resident of the village, disclosed that suspicions quickly fell on Baale’s son, who had accompanied him to the farm.

After being questioned, the son reportedly admitted to the killing.

Items belonging to the deceased, including his motorcycle and a cocoa harvest, were found beside his body.

The suspect has since been handed over to the police, who continue to investigate.

Osun State police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as inquiries continue into the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the immediate release of all minors arrested in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the State House on Monday.

Accompanying Idris were Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

Idris revealed that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to initiate the process for the minors’ release.

He stated, “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families across the country. A committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and subsequent release. Any law enforcement officials involved will face appropriate consequences.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also urged the Federal Government to cease the treason trials of #EndBadGovernance protesters and to release all minors involved.

In a statement issued in response to the ongoing trial of minors at a Federal High Court in Abuja, the ACF condemned the proceedings as a “show of shame” and criticized the government for its excessive use of force.

The statement, signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the trial of minors as an example of “needless official high-handedness at its worst.”

Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Ahmed Umar, Youth Leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic Movement in Africa, called on President Tinubu to issue an executive order for the immediate release of the detained minors.

In an interview with reporters in Kaduna, Umar expressed outrage over the government’s actions and condemned the arraignment of minors on serious charges such as treason.

He noted, “It is unjust for a 10-year-old child, who lacks understanding of their rights, to be charged with offenses meant for adults.” He further demanded that these children be released and compensated for their ordeal.

Umar, who recently chaired the Northern Youth Summit organized by the National Youth Alliance in Kaduna, stressed the importance of youth involvement in governance to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.

He stated that empowering youth could help tackle challenges such as security and unemployment.

He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to take charge of their future and actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Scores of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, and launched a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.

Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high prices.

They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.

Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

Highlighting the impact of the fuel crisis on the economy, protesters cited inflation surpassing 24% and a 200% rise in fuel prices, factors they say are deepening poverty across the country.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first.

The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.

“We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.

“Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.

“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.

“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.

“To the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”On their part, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac, insisted:

“This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Abuja-based Human Rights Radio has gone off air to protest the arrest of minors during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Ahmed Isah, owner of the station, announced this while featuring on the Berekete family, a breakfast programme.

Isah, who used to anchor the radio program every week day, was not in the studio in the morning, due to what he described as a shock he experienced since the condition of the children became known after they were arraigned on Friday.

He called in through the phone around 8 20 am in the live program, where he expressed his anger about the development, and ordered the station to be shut down immediately.

He said the radio station would remain shut till Tuesday when there would be further discussion on the topic, before going off again, till Wednesday when the listeners views on the matter through phone calls, would be entertained.

By Anas Abbas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured Nigerians living in Libya of its unwavering commitment to their safety and welfare, particularly in light of recent tensions following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the Libyan Football Association.

Reports have emerged indicating that some Nigerians in Libya faced harassment from local authorities after CAF’s decision, which criticized the Libyan FA for mistreatment of the Nigerian football team and officials during a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the Ministry confirmed that Nigerians currently residing in Libya are safe and able to carry out their daily activities without interference.

The Ministry emphasized its proactive stance in monitoring the situation and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. “The well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety,” the statement read.

As of now, the Ministry assures that Nigerians in Libya are not experiencing any form of harassment from local authorities, reinforcing the government’s dedication to their security amidst ongoing diplomatic developments.