News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a significant blow to fuel smugglers through Operation Whirlwind after confiscating two lorries, 1,046 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 12 drums of petroleum products.  

This was announced by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun on October 9, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa State. 

Since its launch on June 10, 2024, Operation Whirlwind has been intensifying efforts across multiple border regions, which so far yielded substantial seizures in various locations, that include the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.  

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, having been represented by Alajogun, said, “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations.” 

The Customs chief announced the seizure of two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products, with one suspect apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities. 

According to Adeniyi, “The full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources.”  

He also urged Nigerians, especially those in Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation.

He noted that “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians.” 

The seized products will be auctioned off at two petrol stations in Yola at ₦630 per litre. 

National Coordinator Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu lamented the negative consequences of aiding smugglers in their illegal activities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined millions of well-wishers across the globe in celebrating the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs, His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CON, on the joyous occasion of his birthday. 

In a heartfelt message, Governor Mutfwang described the Gbong Gwom Jos as an exemplary and distinguished traditional ruler whose wealth of experience, both in public service and traditional leadership, has left an indelible mark on Plateau State and Nigeria at large.  

The Governor noted that Da Jacob Gyang Buba’s life has been a source of profound inspiration, characterised by his unwavering dedication to service, humility, and a deep-seated passion for the welfare of his people.  

He commended the traditional ruler’s extraordinary contributions to the socio-economic transformation of the state, especially his leadership in fostering community-driven initiatives aimed at self-reliance and economic empowerment. 

Governor Mutfwang specifically praised the Gbong Gwom Jos for his tireless advocacy in combating drug abuse and his commitment to empowering the youth of Plateau State.

His Majesty’s vision of a future where the younger generation thrives through hard work and enterprise has positioned him as a beacon of hope for many. 

Governor Mutfwang lauded the Gbong Gwom’s compassion and his efforts in uplifting the less privileged.

His Majesty’s enduring legacy of fairness, justice, and empathy, particularly in promoting peaceful inter-community relations, has greatly contributed to strengthening unity, peace, and harmony across the Plateau and beyond. 

On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his warmest congratulations to His Majesty, praying that this special day brings abundant joy and cherished moments with his family, loved ones, and admirers.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the successful completion of the federal government’s policy linking all phone numbers in the country to a National Identification Number (NIN).

The NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, disclosed this during the 2024 annual corporate governance conference held in Lagos on Thursday.

Maida acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians encountered during the process but emphasized the benefits of the initiative.

“We have now fully implemented the government’s 2020 policy of linking phone numbers to NINs.

“Though the process was challenging for many, it is important to recognize the value it brings,” Maida said.

He further stated that every phone number in Nigeria is now associated with a verified NIN, enhancing security and accountability in telecommunications.

By Uzair Adam

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan as the substantive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

His confirmation on Thursday followed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination, which was submitted to the Senate in August 2024.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Abubakar Bello (APC Niger North), presented its report to the Red Chamber, affirming Pakistan’s suitability for the position.

Bello, a former governor of Niger State, highlighted Pakistan’s qualifications and his vast experience in Hajj operations.

After a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Pakistan’s nomination was confirmed with the overwhelming support of lawmakers.

Professor Pakistan previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrim’s Board, where he managed the largest contingent of pilgrims in Nigeria.

President Tinubu had formally nominated Pakistan for the role on August 19, 2024, through a statement by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, before transmitting the nomination to the Senate.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has once again issued an order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out renovations to the Nassarawa Mini Palace.

The legal action was initiated by the Kano State Government, the Attorney-General of Kano, and the Kano Emirate Council, who filed a motion through their counsel, Rilwanu Umar SAN, on September 12.

They requested the court to stop Ado-Bayero from making any changes to the palace located along State Road in Kano.

In her ruling, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, the Chief Judge of Kano State, found the applicants’ request valid, noting that the Emir had neither submitted a counter affidavit nor provided a written defense.

Abdu-Aboki referred the case to High Court 15 for further proceedings.

During the session, counsel for the applicants argued that Bayero had been removed from his position by the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law of 2024.

Despite being served on September 14, the respondent had not filed a response or appeared before the court.

The applicants also requested that the court declare the Nassarawa Mini Palace as the property of the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council, not the personal property of Ado-Bayero.

Previously, on September 13, the court issued an Interim Injunction, preventing the Emir and his representatives from demolishing, renovating, or making any alterations to the palace until the case is resolved.

The court ordered that the status quo regarding the palace’s structure and design be maintained during the legal process.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

Prof. Garba hails from Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. His appointment, which takes effect from today, October 10, 2024, was approved by the ATBU Council at its 30th Special Meeting on October 9, 2024.

Reacting to the development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised Prof. Garba’s exceptional career and his commitment to academic excellence.

“We are proud of this illustrious son of Gombe whose elevation to this prestigious office brings honour not only to him but to our entire state. His wealth of experience and academic leadership will undoubtedly steer ATBU towards greater achievements, particularly in promoting innovative research, academic excellence, and international collaborations. We are confident that under his stewardship, ATBU will continue to be a citadel of knowledge and innovation in Nigeria and beyond”.

The Governor also assured the new Vice Chancellor of the solidarity and goodwill of the people of Gombe State, expressing confidence that Prof. Garba’s tenure will bring positive changes to the university and strengthen its reputation as a leading institution of learning in Nigeria.

Prof. Garba, a 1992 graduate of the University of Maiduguri and a renowned professor of biochemistry, has held various key positions at ATBU, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) on two occasions, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union, and most recently as the Center Leader of the ATBU-World Bank collaborative program, SPESSE.

By Uzair Adam

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja heard testimony from Abubakar Kweido, the first prosecution witness (PW1), in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

Kweido testified that Mamman allegedly used funds from the Mambilla Hydro project account to purchase properties in Abuja.

According to Solacebase, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mamman with 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Kweido, an EFCC operative, stated that funds released to the former minister were traced to properties in Kado Estate and Wuse 2, Abuja.

Kweido also revealed that the investigation findings were presented to Mamman, who denied any connection to the properties.

Mamman claimed that his personal assistant, Maisbahu Idris, was responsible for receiving funds from the Mambilla project accountant and distributing them among ministry staff.

Further investigation led to a search of Mamman’s residence, where foreign currency and corporate documents belonging to Abangus Nig. Ltd, a company allegedly used to facilitate the diversion of funds, were discovered.

Payment vouchers and cash recovered at the former minister’s residence were admitted as evidence.

The trial will resume on October 23, 2024, before Justice James Omotosho.

By Uzair Adam

Former US President Barack Obama has joined Kamala Harris’s campaign, rallying support in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

Obama is set to appear in Pittsburgh, encouraging early voting by mail or in-person as Harris faces a tough battle against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Trump, who campaigned in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Detroit, Michigan, this week, criticized Harris’s economic policies while emphasizing energy independence.

Harris will campaign in Nevada next, targeting Latino voters, while monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida.

Obama, seen as a key figure in energizing Black and young voters, will campaign for Harris in seven battleground states, where the election could be decided.

His message focuses on the importance of early voting, a practice traditionally favored by Democrats.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has stated that it should not be blamed for the recent surge in petrol prices.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) increased the pump price of fuel, with Abuja seeing a jump from N897 to N1,030 per litre, Lagos from N855 to N998, the North-East to N1,070, the South-West to N1,025, the South-East to N1,045, and the South-South to N1,075.

This price hike has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reverse the increase.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the NNPCL’s decision was not directed by the government.

He explained that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) prevents the government from setting prices for petroleum products, making the NNPCL’s decision a response to the prevailing energy market conditions.

Idris further noted that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, the NNPCL had been bearing the cost of keeping prices stable but could no longer continue to absorb such losses.

“The price fluctuation is driven by several factors, including the crisis in the Middle East, which has caused global volatility in petroleum markets.”

“As a limited liability company, the NNPCL cannot sustain operating at a loss,” the minister said.

He appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding, assuring that the government remains committed to investing the savings from subsidy removal into sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

The minister also highlighted that the government’s investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) would help reduce the burden of rising fuel costs as more operators enter the industry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The People’s Democratic party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant for Jos North, Hon. John Christopher Kyohroh has commended the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for peaceful conduct of elections in Plateau State.

He made this statement at his polling unit -012, Area Directorate Office, Ministry of Education, Vanderpuye ward, in Jos North local Government Area of the state.

Kyohroh said although many hours were spent waiting for the voters verification system device to pick up but to no avail, the technical hitch should be expected because of the new technology introduced in the electoral process, saying it will be improved with time.

He described the effort of PLASIEC as a giant stride, adding that the process will be successful at the end of the day.

The chairmanship aspirant cast his vote using the manual process due to the hitches experienced on the voter verification system device.

He urged the people to come out and exercise their right by voting for the candidate of their choice.