News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A tragic incident occurred in the Kuntau area of Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State, on Friday morning, resulting in the collapse of a one-storey building.

Reports indicate that eight people lost their lives in the disaster. 

The building, which was under construction, collapsed during a rainstorm, trapping 15 people, including the owner, workers, and passersby who had sought shelter inside.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as neighbors and bystanders rushed to assist those trapped under the rubble. 

Seven victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, one person succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. 

Efforts are ongoing to ensure no one else is trapped in the debris.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Halima Adamu, the mother of popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu, known as Rarara. 

According to a statement by police spokesperson Aliyu Abubakar, the suspects are currently being interrogated over the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday at the singer’s mother’s residence in Kahutu village, Danja Local Government Area. 

The police responded swiftly to the report, with the DPO Danja leading a team of operatives to the scene to arrest the culprits and rescue the victim. 

Rarara, a well-known political singer and songwriter in northern Nigeria, has gained fame for his support songs for former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 general election.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Tragedy struck Kano on Friday when a trailer with registration number MKA 537XN lost control and ploughed into worshippers, leaving a mosque after Friday prayers, killing 14 people and injuring dozens. 

The accident occurred in Imawa town, Kura local government area, shortly after the Friday prayer, when the driver of the trailer coming from the Kaduna axis lost control and ran into the worshippers.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that nine of the deceased were buried on the same day, while those injured are receiving treatment at a hospital. The driver of the trailer is currently at large.

The FRSC Kano Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said, “Upon receiving the distress call, FRSC Kano State Command promptly dispatched personnel to the scene, alongside other security agencies, to initiate rescue operations and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured victims.”

Abdullahi emphasised the FRSC’s commitment to road safety and urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies. 

He also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight new Federal Permanent Secretaries to fill in existing and impending vacancies in some states and geo-political zones in the top administrative cadre of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The new Federal Permanent Secretaries appointed after a diligent selection process by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation are:

Dr. Emanso Umobong Okop – Akwa-Ibom 

Obi Emeka Vitalis – Anambra 

Mahmood Fatima Sugra Tabi’a – Bauchi 

Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi – Jigawa  

Olusanya Olubunmi – Ondo 

Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila – Zamfara 

Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma (South-East)

Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen (South-South)

The President anticipates that the new Federal Permanent Secretaries will exercise absolute dedication, diligence, and fidelity to the nation in discharging their functions and ensuring optimum service delivery to the Nigerian people.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The military high command has established new commands in Kaduna State to address insecurity. 

The three new commands are located in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari. Additionally, the Air Force will establish a base in Millennium City, in Chikun local government area. 

The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has praised the collaboration between the State governor, Uba Sani and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their efforts in addressing insecurity in the State. 

In a statement issued by SKJF chairman, Ango Bally and Secretary, Lilian Silas, the forum expressed joy over the establishment of the military bases. 

The statement read in part: “These strategic moves will significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the region and enhance agricultural activities in the State”. 

The Forum expressed optimism that the deployment of additional military personnel will significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear, especially in communities like Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin-Gwari, which have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The newly appointed Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, has convened a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical and Operational Commanders.

This meeting is part of a broader effort to strengthen security and safeguard the lives and properties of all residents in the state. 

The Commissioner of Police appreciates the officers for their commitment and dedication to crime fighting and maintaining peace despite the daunting security situation in the state.

He further charged them to remain resolute and redouble efforts towards surmounting the scourge of thuggery and other violent criminal activities that had hitherto bedevilled the good people of the state. 

He charged the officers to continue with the community policing engagements with their stakeholders and to ensure no thuggery (Daba) incidents are recorded in their areas of responsibilities.

They are also warned to always be available to supervise their men, as the CP will be going around on supervision. 

Dogo reminded the officers that accountability and professionalism will be his driving forces.

In addition, he urges all the supervising officers to ensure the cleanliness of their offices, including detention facilities. 

The CP reiterated that “I can not be sitting in my office to allow thugs (Yan Daba) and other perpetrators of criminal activities to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgain

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Kaduna State Assembly. The lawsuit was presented today, Wednesday, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai is demanding a public apology from the lawmakers for a report they published, which he claims defamed him and his cabinet. The State Assembly’s report alleged that the former governor misappropriated over ₦423 billion during his tenure.

El-Rufai’s legal team argues that the report is both false and malicious, designed to tarnish his reputation and discredit his administration’s achievements. They assert that the allegations have caused significant harm to his personal and professional standing.

The former governor, noted for his developmental policies and efforts to improve infrastructure and education in Kaduna State, has consistently defended his administration’s transparency and commitment to public service. He maintains that the Assembly’s allegations are politically motivated and lack any substantive evidence.

The legal proceedings have drawn significant attention, with many awaiting the court’s decision on the matter. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for El-Rufai’s political future and the current political landscape in Kaduna State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Essien, who was in charge of revenue, died shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation at the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday. 

President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Essien’s family, describing his passing as “most distressing” while on an official assignment.

He also commiserated with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire Nigeria Customs Service. 

The President prayed for the repose of Essien’s soul and comfort for his family.

This condolence message was released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), on June 25, 2024.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service’s special team, Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 21,810 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Seme-Badagry road in Zone ‘A’.

The National Coordinator, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, announced this during a press briefing at the Seme Area Command on Monday. 

“The operation Whirlwind Teams’ effort geared towards curtailing the menace of illegal smuggling of PMS product in Zone ‘A’ axis resulted in the interception of 21,810 Litres of PMS product,” Ejibunu said. 

The seized items include 43 kegs of PMS, a tanker with 15,200 liters of PMS, and several vehicles with specially built bunkers loaded with PMS.

The total value of the seized items is equivalent to 21,810 liters of PMS. Ejibunu stated the devastating effects of smuggling, including distortion in the supply chain and contribution to insecurity.

“The smuggling of PMS has two dangerous effects: economic and security.

So, we want to cut the supply chain by all means possible,” he said. 

He urged Nigerians to provide timely information to support the battle against petrol smuggling, which requires a concerted effort from all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is mourning the sudden loss of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, who died on June 25, 2024, while presenting before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts. 

According to customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwadah, Essien, 56, who was in charge of revenue reconciliation, complained of discomfort and requested water during his presentation before collapsing.

Despite immediate attempts to revive him, he sadly passed away. 

With over 30 years of service, Essien was a dedicated and valued member of the NCS team, known for his exceptional service record and diligence in the Accounts Unit.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed his condolences to Essien’s family, describing his loss as a significant blow to the entire NCS community. 

Deputy Comptroller Essien is survived by his wife and children.