News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal High Court in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, has fined the Kano State Government 30 billion Naira for the unauthorised demolition of shops within the historic Idi Mosque premises at Kofar Mata. 

The ruling, delivered by Justice Simon Ameboda, strongly condemned the government’s actions, labelling the demolition as an “illegal activity full of brutality and malice.” 

The court’s decision also mandated the state government to compensate the affected businessmen whose shops were razed to the ground.

Justice Ameboda emphasised the severity of the government’s offence against the less privileged members of the community, leading to the imposition of a significant fine. 

This substantial penalty serves as a stern warning against any future attempts by government entities to infringe upon the property rights of individuals and small businesses within the state. 

The ruling also included a restraining order, preventing the Kano Government from interfering with the lands and affairs of the shops, including reallocating them to other entities. 

The legal community and activists have applauded the court’s decision, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice, particularly for those who are economically vulnerable. 

The affected businessmen, their legal representatives, and the community have expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s verdict, hoping that this landmark judgement will serve as a precedent, deterring any similar actions by government authorities in the future. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A task force inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently made headlines as they seized and destroyed 470 motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal motorbike operations in various parts of Abuja.

The operation, which started at the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, extended through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction, and reached Kubwa and its surrounding areas. 

According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued when motorcyclists attempted to prevent their vehicles from being impounded.

The confrontation escalated into a violent clash between the operators and security operatives.

In a bid to evade arrest, the okada operators scattered in different directions, leading to a high-speed chase through the streets of Abuja. 

The task force, determined to curb the menace of illegal motorcycle operations in the city, pursued the operators relentlessly.

As a result, 470 motorcycles were impounded during the operation. The seized vehicles were subsequently destroyed, marking a crackdown on unauthorised motorbike activities in the capital city. 

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the task force’s actions are part of a broader effort to enforce regulations and enhance security in the FCT.

The clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining order while dealing with those engaged in illegal activities on the city’s streets. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters to enhance the service of the Nigerian Army. 

The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, during the inaugural Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar held on Tuesday in Abuja. 

The acquisition of these advanced attack helicopters marks a pivotal moment for the Nigerian military, as it heralds the operationalization of the Nigerian Army Aviation Unit. 

This specialised unit has been established with the primary goal of improving ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and overall efficacy during various military operations. Lt.-Gen.

Lagbaja emphasised that the addition of these attack helicopters to the Nigerian Army’s arsenal would not only enhance its internal capabilities but also contribute significantly to the success of joint and coalition military operations.

He underlined the importance of this initiative in the broader context of military strategy. Explaining the role of the army aviation unit, Lt.-Gen.

Lagbaja noted that it is distinct from a nation’s dedicated air force but focuses primarily on helicopters and light-support fixed-wing aircraft.

This specialisation enables the unit to provide vital support to ground troops during tactical and operational engagements. 

Expressing his gratitude, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support in realising the Nigerian Army’s aspiration to have a well-equipped aviation unit.

He drew attention to the experiences of other nations such as the United States, Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, all of which have successfully employed similar aviation units to enhance their military capabilities. 

This strategic move signifies a significant step forward for the Nigerian military and underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening national defense.

The procurement of these attack helicopters will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of the nation while also aligning with international best practices in military operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A suspect, identified as Abiduna Amin, lost his life while in police custody at the Dutsen Tanshi police division.

The tragedy on Tuesday has ignited a firestorm of concern regarding human rights abuses within the police force. It has sparked a social media movement rallying under the hashtag #JusticeForAbidin.

Abiduna Amin, a resident of Karofi Bauchi and an animal dealer by occupation, became the focal point of a police interrogation.

According to sources, he was being questioned on suspicion of having purchased a stolen goat or ram. However, what began as a routine inquiry escalated dramatically when it was alleged that police officers subjected Abiduna Amin to severe physical violence, resulting in his untimely death while in police custody.

The news of Amin’s tragic demise spread like wildfire across social media platforms, with the hashtag #JusticeForAbidin quickly gaining immense traction on Facebook.

A groundswell of concerned citizens, activists, and human rights advocates have voiced outrage over the incident, pledging not to let this case fade into obscurity. The campaigners demand accountability and justice for the deceased, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police took decisive action by summoning the Dutsen Tanshi Police Divisional Officer for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

However, at this juncture, police authorities have yet to release an official statement addressing the matter or providing specifics regarding the steps taken to address the officers involved.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has officially refuted claims of negotiations with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted students from the Federal University, Gusau. 

This development was contained in a statement that was released by Mr. Hope Attari, the Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence. 

Badaru categorically dismissed the allegations of negotiations with the terrorists as misleading and emphasised that President Bola Tinubu had issued clear directives to the military and other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. 

“The Federal Government is working diligently around the clock to ensure that the girls and other abducted individuals return home safely,” stated Badaru. 

Reassuring the residents of Zamfara and all Nigerians, the Minister of Defence conveyed the significant progress being made towards the swift release of the female students and others from Federal University, Gusau.

He expressed confidence in the joint security task forces working discreetly to rescue the students. In addition to addressing the ongoing efforts, Badaru extended his regret to the families of the abducted individuals, condemning the incident as reprehensible.

He highlighted the initial success of President Tinubu’s directives, with 13 of the abducted students and three others regaining their freedom on Monday, attributing this achievement to the professional efforts of the military. 

The Federal Government remains committed to securing the release of all the remaining abducted students and individuals while continuing to uphold the safety and security of its citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the Federal Government to conduct an urgent and comprehensive investigation into undisclosed negotiations with bandits in Zamfara. 

Reports have surfaced indicating that federal government agencies were engaging in talks with bandit groups in the state without the state government’s knowledge. 

In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Monday Governor Lawal expressed deep concern over these negotiations, which conflict with the state’s strategy against banditry. 

The governor reasserted Zamfara’s unwavering stance against negotiating with criminals. 

The Zamfara State Government is resolute and “will not negotiate with these criminals,” Governor Lawal declared. 

He further urged the Federal Government to terminate these secret negotiations promptly, citing their potential to undermine progress in the fight against banditry.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has officially disclosed that Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lacks the necessary certification as a member of the institute, raising concerns about the legality of his role. 

The NIPR, established by law, mandates individuals to obtain certification and licencing to practice public relations within Nigeria. 

According to the newly elected governing council members, led by Dr. Ike Neliaku, Mr. Ngelale’s absence from the institute’s membership register indicates that he is not a certified public relations practitioner. 

A governing council member who spoke to an online Nigerian newspaper and requested anonymity emphasised the importance of adhering to the established parameters of knowledge and qualifications for effective public relations practice. 

The council member stated, “We have checked our records and membership register, and we could not find Ajuri Ngelale on the list.

“One can be a good writer, broadcaster, or journalist, but there are set parameters of knowledge a communicator needs to acquire, including qualifications, before he/she can practice Public Relations in Nigeria.” 

The NIPR’s governing council pointed out that the law governing the institute includes specific regulations for appointing spokespersons, and it deems it a criminal offence for anyone to engage in public relations without proper certification from the institute. 

“In fact, the NIPR Act stipulates punishments for illegal practice, including imprisonment, fines, or both,” the council member added. 

This revelation has sparked discussions about the importance of adhering to professional standards in the field of public relations and the potential legal consequences of not meeting these requirements.

The situation also raises questions about the vetting process for appointing public relations officials in the government and private sectors. 

As the controversy surrounding Ajuri Ngelale’s certification status unfolds, stakeholders in the field of public relations are closely watching to see how this matter develops and whether it will lead to legal actions or policy changes.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused a section of the media and its allies of continuously neglecting the increasing death toll of Nigerian Muslims but are quick to report the fabricated number of dead Christians at the instance of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

It has come to our notice that the majority of security-related challenges being faced in Nigeria, most of which result in the death of Muslims, especially when in large quantity are mostly unreported or, at best, under-reported; we at the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have seen this as a ploy to portray Muslims as the perpetrators of these various crimes in Nigeria, ranging from terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustlings, banditry, etc.

The Muslims have always been complacent, consoling themselves without making noise on various social media platforms whenever the unpleasant news of the death of their brothers and sisters in Islam filters in. This is because Allah has emphasised to us through the Holy Quran that “All Souls Shall Taste Death” (Qur’an 3:185), whereas CAN is always quick at playing the victim card, and its voice can be heard at the seventh heaven.

Social media and traditional news media also become awash with unprintable comments to escalate the incident beyond the real magnitude. The Muslims are, therefore, always at the receiving end. In contrast, Muslims lose the highest number of victims of the security challenges Nigeria is currently facing.

It is a known fact that the majority of the act of terrorism by the dreaded terrorist organisation in Nigeria (Boko Haram) has led to the death of more Muslims than Christians; the terrorist group detonated bombs in metropolitan areas in the northern part of Nigeria where the Muslims have the highest population. It is, therefore, only logical to say that the terrorist group targets Muslims more than Christians; thus, any Christian who becomes a victim is more collateral damage because the real targets are the Muslims.

In an effort to set the records straight, MURIC has carried out a statistical analysis of violent attacks and has gathered data on Muslims who were casualties of various attacks carried out by armed groups such as Boko Haram, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), armed bandits, herdsmen and the so-called unknown gunmen.

It was discovered that between 2021 and 2022, the total number of Muslims who have become casualties is as high as two thousand two hundred and sixty-four (2,264). This figure is for reported cases. Only Allah knows the exact number of thousands of unreported cases of Muslim deaths.

Of this figure, 1,829 were killed by Boko Haram, 288 Muslims fell victim to banditry, 98 were killed by unknown gunmen, 36 by herdsmen and 13 by IPOB.

We appeal to the Muslim populace not to seek vengeance as Allah is sufficient for us, and only Allah knows the punishment most suitable for perpetrators of the killings. We also remind co-country men to tread softly and not to insult the sensitivity and cool-headedness of Nigerian Muslims; our religion teaches “Peace”, and on that mantra, all our engagements are based.

Lastly, while we acknowledge that efforts made by the security agents are already yielding results, we implore them to increase their vigilance to ensure a prosperous and peaceful nation.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Zamfara State Government has on Saturday issued a ban on illegal mining activities as one of the measures to curtail the lingering security challenges bedevilling the state over the years. 

Governor Dauda Lawal, in a statement by his spokeswoman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, also ordered law enforcement officials to take stringent action against violators. 

It was gathered that Zamfara State is one of the epicentres of banditry and kidnapping that have displaced hundreds and widowed hundreds more, as well as taken the lives of thousands of innocent souls over the years. 

The Daily Reality gathered that illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities. 

The governor was said to have noted that “it is time to end this destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.” 

He stressed that security operatives had been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot at anyone found engaging in illegal mining. 

He said: “The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts. 

“It is also a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people. 

“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities,” he added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have successfully apprehended a notorious gun manufacturing syndicate in Kaduna State, leading to the recovery of a cache of 26 weapons, including pistols, rifles, and ammunition. 

The operation was carried out following a week-long intelligence effort and was announced by Captain Oya James, the media officer for the Special Military Taskforce, in a statement issued on Friday in Jos. 

The primary target of the operation was Napoleon John, a wanted gunrunner who had long evaded authorities. 

Captain Oya James stated that, “This operation is in line with the commitment of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, to decisively address criminal activities and eliminate illegal weapons within the OPSH Joint Operations Area.” 

The breakthrough came when the suspect, Napoleon John, confessed to his involvement in the gun manufacturing trade and led the troops to a concealed factory located in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Inside the factory, authorities discovered a wide array of weaponry, including seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two military-grade AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, one submachine gun, and various types of ammunition. The cache also included machine tools and a gas cylinder. 

In a subsequent operation carried out in the early hours of September 22, 2023, troops raided a hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan, resulting in the capture of two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunition, six dangerous daggers, one hacker axe, several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, two police uniforms, and one military camouflage trousers, among other items. 

While the major kingpin behind the syndicate remains at large, Captain Oya James assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.

Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the GOC/Commander OPSH, praised the troops for their unwavering dedication and resolve and vowed to ensure that all members of the syndicate were brought to justice. 

He issued a stern warning to sponsors and perpetrators of criminal activities, urging them to abandon their illegal endeavours and embrace lawful means of livelihood. 

The successful operation represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms proliferation and maintain peace and security in Kaduna State and neighbouring Plateau states.