News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the names of members of the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to the Senate for confirmation.

The step follows President Tinubu’s signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on 24 July, marking a crucial milestone in the Commission’s establishment.

NWDC Governing Board Nominees: Chairman: Ambassador Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa)MD/CEO: Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano)Members:

– Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto)

– Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi) – Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara)

– Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna)

– Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano)

– Shamsu Sule (Katsina)

– Nasidi Ali (Jigawa)

The nominated board members are expected to contribute their wealth of experience and expertise to the Commission’s mandate of developing the North-West region.

The NWDC will focus on catalysing significant growth, economic empowerment, and social development of the region.

President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to supporting the NWDC in its mission to bring sustainable development to the North West is steadfast.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has expressed deep sympathy and commiserated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State during this period of immense grief.

He described the Akwa Ibom First Lady as a woman of great virtue, a loving mother, and a pillar of strength to her family and the state.

Her loss, he noted, has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill, not only within her immediate family but across the state where her influence was deeply felt.

The NSGF Chairman consoled Governor Umo Eno to take solace in the divine will of God and the cherished memories of his late wife.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire Akwa Ibom people the fortitude to bear this great loss, and for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolence to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state on the shocking passing of his beloved wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserates with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.

The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state’s First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno’s administration.

The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.

President Tinubu acknowledges that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.

He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.

President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.

He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing into claims of banditry sponsorship in the North-West region of Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, assuring that relevant agencies are thoroughly examining the matter.

These investigations follow accusations and counter-accusations between the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and his successor as Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, concerning the alleged funding of banditry in the region.

Earlier this week, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an, denying any involvement in the sponsorship of bandits.

Lawal responded by stating he had evidence implicating Matawalle, and that he had reported the case to the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu.

When asked about the military’s involvement in the situation, Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated that the appropriate agencies were handling the investigation and that updates would soon follow.

“Our focus remains on defeating the bandits and undermining their will to continue fighting. Once we destroy their will to fight, the war is over,” Buba stated, noting the military’s achievements between July and September 2024, including the neutralization of 1,937 terrorists, among whom were 65 key insurgent leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The civil defence, correctional, fire and immigration services board has suspended it’s senior officers of the service, following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian correctional service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye widely known as Bobrisky.

The board has suspended Michael Anugwa, deputy controller corrections (DCC), in charge of medium security custodial center (MSCC), kiri-kiri Lagos State, and Sikiru Adekunle, deputy controller of corrections (DCC), in-charge of maximum security custodial center (MSCC), kiri-kiri, Lagos State.

Also the board suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at medium security custodial center (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi state, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the custodial center to a location outside the facility.

In another related development, the board has equally suspended another senior officer of the service, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, deputy controller of corrections ( DCC), in charge of media custodial center (MSCC), Kuje-Abuja, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate.

The suspension of these Officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegation while assuming that the outcome would be made public when concluded.

By Anas Abbas

Seaman Abbas, a Nigerian Navy personnel who spent six years in detention without trial, has finally regained his freedom.

Abbas’s release was confirmed when he appeared alongside his wife on the popular Brekete Family Talk Show, amidst tears and jubilation.

The emotional reunion was witnessed by millions of viewers, as Abbas recounted his harrowing experience in naval custody.

Abbas’s wife, who was visibly shaken, expressed gratitude to human rights organizations and advocates who fought for her husband’s release.

“We are thankful to everyone who stood by us. We are grateful to the Brekete Family for providing a platform to share our story,” she said.

The Brekete Family Talk Show’s host, Ordinary Ahmed Isa, hailed Abbas’s release as a victory for justice and human rights.

“Seaman Abbas’s case is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of protecting human rights. We will continue to amplify the voices of the marginalized,” Isa said.

Abbas’s release has sparked widespread celebration, with many calling for reforms in Nigeria’s military justice system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Yobe photographer, Saidu Abdulrahman, has set a new benchmark by capturing 897 pictures in just 60 minutes, aiming to surpass the existing Guinness World Record of 500.

The record-breaking attempt came on Wednesday in Potiskum Local Government Area, witnessed by government officials, students, and well-wishers. 

Mr. Abdulrahman, 28, revealed that this remarkable feat was the result of 12 months of preparation. He expressed optimism about receiving formal recognition from Guinness World Records.

“I snapped 897 pictures in one hour, surpassing our target of 600 in spite of numerous challenges,” he stated.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritise the development of his state while assuring him of the full support of the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

President Tinubu advised on Thursday in Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress party, where the Edo governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect, Rep.

Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.President Tinubu emphasised the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State.

‘’Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the President added, ”You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.

”If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.

”The President congratulated Senator Okpebholo and his deputy and described them as a ”good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.””

By Uzair Adam

Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has convicted five individuals linked to the 2018 Offa robbery incident, sentencing them to death for armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide.

The judge, during a judgement session that lasted three and a half hours, stated that all the evidence presented by the prosecution proved the suspects’ guilt.

The robbery, which occurred in April 2018, involved the killing of over 30 people, including policemen, and the looting of several banks in the community.In addition to the death sentence, the suspects received a three-year prison term for illegal possession of firearms.

The convicted individuals include Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran.

A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, died while in custody.Speaking after the judgement, the prosecution counsel attributed the lengthy trial to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other national assignments.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The high-profile robbery case initially shocked the nation, prompting the then Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, to offer a N5 million bounty for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the suspects.

The trial, which spanned six years, saw Thursday’s judgement bringing some closure to one of Nigeria’s most infamous robbery cases.

By Uzair Adam

Authorities in the Benin Republic have foiled an attempted coup, leading to the arrest of a former sports minister and a senior military commander.

The plot was allegedly scheduled for Friday, according to a statement from Elonm Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s financial crimes and terrorism court.

On Tuesday night, Oswald Homeky, the former sports minister, was apprehended while handing over six bags of cash, totaling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (approximately $2.5 million), to Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, the commander of the republican guard and head of security for President Patrice Talon.

The transaction occurred around 1:00 am, and the cash was reportedly transported in Homeky’s Toyota Prado, which bore fake license plates.Prosecutors revealed that the funds were part of a broader conspiracy involving Homeky and Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of President Talon.

Boko, who was separately arrested on Monday in Cotonou, had recently signaled his intentions to run for the presidency in 2026, when Talon’s second term concludes.

Investigations indicate that Homeky and Boko paid the military commander to ensure no resistance from the republican guard during the planned coup.

Authorities also uncovered that the suspects had opened a bank account under the commander’s name in Côte d’Ivoire on August 6, as part of their preparation.

The arrests come amidst increasing criticism of President Talon’s administration, with detractors accusing him of undermining democratic institutions.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to apprehend other individuals involved in the conspiracy.

Since 2020, West Africa has witnessed a wave of military coups and attempts, with Benin now joining the list of nations grappling with threats to its political stability.

Metonou emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure justice is served and to prevent future attempts at destabilizing the country.