News

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano State court has released 40 minors on bail who were among the hundreds arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.

The minors were freed following the intervention of Advocate for Justice Alliance, a civic organisation led by Barrister AK Musa. 

The Kano State Police Command had arrested 873 suspects for alleged crimes committed during the protests, which were held to demand solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes and insecurity.

The suspects were arraigned before magistrates and detained in various prison facilities. 

Barrister Musa confirmed the release of the minors, saying, “We’re pleased that 40 minors have been granted bail, but unfortunately, no adults have been released.”

He added that his organisation is working to secure the release and representation of more detainees, with the next court hearing set for September 11, 2024. 

The protests, which took place across the country, saw over 1000 Nigerians arrested and detained, according to Amnesty International.

The global human rights organisation criticized the government’s response to the protests, saying it failed to address the economic issues driving the demonstrations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced key management appointments and redeployments within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following the statutory retirement of some management team members.

BM Jibo has been appointed as Acting Deputy Comptroller General of Finance Administration and Technical Services (FATS), while OA Alajogun takes on the role of Acting Deputy Comptroller General of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation (EI&I).

IG Umar has been redeployed as Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Headquarters, OA Salefu as Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), BA Makinde as Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Human Resource Development (HRD), and T Bomodi as Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation (EI&I).

The appointments, made in acting capacity, aim to enhance strategic service delivery and are a testament to the officers’ exemplary services and dedication to the NCS.

Adeniyi congratulated the newly appointed officers, charging them to “redouble their efforts to ensure the Service achieves greater heights in its mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation.”

The Comptroller General also thanked the retired members of the management for their meritorious services.

By Uzair Adam

A woman in Jigawa State has died by self-immolation after reportedly being devastated by her recent divorce.

The 40-year-old, whose identity has been withheld, set herself on fire in Garin Mallam village, located in the Guri Local Government Area.

The incident was confirmed by DSP Lawan Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, in a statement released on Friday in Dutse.

According to Shiisu, the woman poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze on the outskirts of the village.

“On Thursday at about 7:40 a.m., the command received heartbreaking news from Guri that a woman had set herself on fire after pouring petrol on her body. The incident occurred in Garin Mallam village, and she was burnt beyond recognition,” Shiisu stated.

Following the report, officers from the Guri Divisional Police Headquarters were dispatched to the scene to verify the incident. The woman’s charred remains were subsequently taken to a hospital and later released to her family for burial.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the woman had been struggling with depression for several months after her divorce.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmadu Abdullahi, expressed his condolences and urged the public to seek guidance and counseling from elders when facing difficult situations.

He also encouraged people to entrust their affairs to a higher power for solace.

By Uzair Adam

A Chinese company, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, has seized another Nigerian jet, this time in Canada.

The firm, which has already been involved in the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft in France and other assets in various countries, took custody of the Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10 aircraft after a Quebec court authorized the seizure.

This action is part of Zhongshang’s efforts to enforce an arbitration award of over $70 million against Nigeria, leading to the confiscation of several Nigerian assets overseas.

The dispute stems from a legal battle involving the Ogun State Government, which has seen the firm seize numerous Nigerian properties and aircraft as it seeks to recoup its claims.

Despite ongoing tensions, Zhongshang recently released an Airbus A330 aircraft, allowing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to travel to France for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Sabon Birnin Daji in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have accused soldiers of killing three people and over 100 cows during an incident at a local cattle market on Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers, some reportedly on motorcycles, arrived at the market and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of both humans and cattle.

Villagers are demanding compensation for the damages and losses incurred, claiming over 140 cows were killed and goods worth more than N50 million were destroyed.

One witness, Shamsudeen Sabon Birni, described how the soldiers confronted the Sarkin Pawa, the market leader, before shooting him.

Shamsudeen lamented the indiscriminate nature of the soldiers’ actions, stating they forced traders to lie down before firing at the animals and damaging their goods.

In response, the Nigerian Army has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an inquiry to determine the causes of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

Amnesty International Nigeria and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have called for an independent investigation, expressing concerns about potential bias in the military’s internal probe and emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in such cases.

The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to comment on the incident, as efforts to reach their spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the event, seeking justice and answers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The burial of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, was conducted without his body after he was abducted, tortured, and killed by terrorists.

The traditional ruler’s death, which occurred on Wednesday, has been marked by a series of harrowing events and demands from the perpetrators. 

A distressing video surfaced before Bawa’s death, showing him pleading for his life and calling on the government to intervene.

In the footage, the late ruler, speaking in Hausa, described his horrific captivity and the dire conditions endured by him and his son, who were seized in July while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni. 

The burial ceremony, as described by Facebook user Sarki Yaqi, adhered to Islamic guidelines for such tragic circumstances, which allow for burial without the physical presence of the deceased.

Yaqi’s post stated, “The burial of the Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State has been held now without his corpse,” and further explained, “The burial of the king of Kudun Gobir has just concluded, the burial ceremony of the death of the gunmen who were killed and held his corpse and buried.” 

It was reported that the terrorists behind Bawa’s death had issued a chilling demand for a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles in exchange for the return of his body.

This demand followed an initial ransom request of N1 billion for the release of Bawa and his son, who were abducted while en route to their hometown. 

The video also shows the extent of the coercion faced by Bawa and his son, with a gunman dictating their statements under duress. Tragically, their plea for rescue went unanswered in time, leading to Bawa’s brutal killing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Galadimawa Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State are living in fear after bandits attacked the community, abducting the wife and two children of the village head.

The brazen attack occurred on Monday night, with the bandits using gunfire to intimidate residents before breaking into the village head’s residence.

Fatima Aliyu, the wife of the village head, and their two sons, Abdullahi and Kamal Aliyu, were taken by the bandits.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers had specifically targeted the village head, but when they couldn’t find him, they abducted his family members instead.

Hussaini Umar, a traditional leader in the community, described the situation as dire. “We are not safe here. The whole community is confused and we need help. We appeal to the authorities to save Galadimawa village from these bandits. We are tired of being abducted and attacked daily.”

The community is calling for increased security measures, including the deployment of military personnel, to protect them from further attacks.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several top officials over a significant corruption scandal involving the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the 44 local governments in Kano State.

The investigation centers on allegations of financial misconduct and violations of procurement laws.

Among those detained are Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the Chairman of the State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government.

The Daily Reality gathered that additionally, five other officials were also arrested in connection with the case.

The Commission has also summoned Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning.

Sources indicate that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir confessed to illegally authorizing the payment of N402.6 million for the procurement, with N347.7 million already disbursed by 38 local governments before the Commission’s investigation commenced.

The detained officials, who have been held in custody since Tuesday morning, are undergoing interrogation by the Commission.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Engineer Bello Babayo Bello as Executive Director (Networks) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The Governor said President Tinubu has made an excellent choice in Engineer Bello, describing the new appointee as an illustrious son of Gombe and cerebral young man with extensive experience in power systems management and deep understanding of the complexities in the energy sector.

Governor Inuwa urged Engineer Bello to justify the confidence reposed in him by bringing to bear, his wealth of experience and expertise in driving forward President Tinubu’s energy initiatives and ensuring sustainable development.

“This appointment is not just an honour for you but also a source of pride for Gombe State. We are confident that you will excel in this new capacity and contribute to the advancement of the NDPHC”, the Governor remarked.

He encouraged Engineer Bello to remain steadfast in his commitment to excellence, urging him to face the challenges ahead with the same commitment and innovative thinking that have defined his career thus far.

Meanwhile, Engineer Bello had earlier today, paid a thank you visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at his residence in Abuja, where he appreciated the support, facilitation and encouragement of the governor as regards his new appointment.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive to all workers in the country to halt economic activities if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the Nigerian Police.

This announcement follows the police’s invitation to Ajaero for questioning over allegations, including involvement in terrorism financing.

In response, the NLC held an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Labour House.

The Congress resolved to request more time from the police to consult with legal advisors.

Addressing workers who had gathered in solidarity, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani stated that the union would respect the law by honoring the police invitation but would seek an extension.

He further warned that any arrest or detention of Ajaero would prompt a nationwide strike, urging workers to remain on alert.

Sani assured members that further instructions would be communicated and advised them to return to work peacefully until notified otherwise.