News

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prevent his arrest. The suit, filed at the Kano High Court, has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Ubale.

According to sources, the lawsuit aims to restrain the EFCC from detaining Kwankwaso, who is currently under investigation for an alleged involvement in a N2.5 billion campaign fund fraud associated with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The anti-graft agency had previously interrogated him regarding the matter.

Kwankwaso’s move comes as a preemptive measure to avoid arrest and potential detention by the EFCC. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

In a related development, the EFCC has been actively pursuing cases of fraud and corruption, with recent arrests and prosecutions of suspected internet fraudsters and electricity agency officials.

This legal battle between Kwankwaso and the EFCC is a significant development in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria, and it remains to be seen how the court will rule in this case.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a stark reminder of the omnipotent power of God, a collection of tales compiled by Ghanaian system engineer, Kuame Oliver, have revealed the devastating consequences faced by individuals who arrogantly mocked the Almighty.

These accounts, shared by The Daily Reality, serve as a warning to those who would dare challenge God’s authority.

The list of tragic figures includes renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, legendary musician John Lennon, former Brazilian President Tancredo Neves, and iconic actress Marilyn Monroe.

Other include: Cazuza, a bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer, and poet, earned the title “The Poet Who Defied God” for his brazen stance against the Almighty. Bon Scott, the lead singer of AC/DC, became known as “The Rockstar Who Challenged God” for his defiant lyrics and lifestyle. Christine Hewitt, a Jamaican journalist and entertainer, was dubbed “The Journalist Who Mocked God” for her outspoken disdain towards religion.

The list went on to include: a group of friends in Campinas, Brazil, tragically learned the consequences of defiance, earning the somber title “The Fatal Car Ride: A Tale of Defiance”.

Lastly, the people of Brazil, who mocked God during the Rio Carnival Parade, suffered a devastating flood, a calamity that became known as “The Devastating Flood: A Consequence of Mock

Each story recounts how these individuals openly disparaged God, only to meet with calamitous ends shortly thereafter.

While skeptics may dismiss these incidents as mere coincidences, Oliver’s compilation serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of humility in the face of the divine.

These tales urge us to recognize God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance, lest we suffer a similar fate.

As the debate surrounding these accounts intensifies, one message resonates clearly: acknowledge and honor God, and live a life filled with purpose, blessings, and divine protection.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has adjourned the hearing regarding the removal of Kano Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to June 13, 2024.

The lawsuit, filed by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, a title holder and senior counsellor in the Kano emirate, challenges the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law by the Kano State House of Assembly.

Presided over by Justice Abdullahi M. Liman, the court has set the case for ruling on June 13, 2024. Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, represented by Barrister M. S. Waziri, argues that the repeal of the 2019 law unlawfully stripped both the Emirate Council and the plaintiff of their powers.

Counsel to the 1st and 4th respondents, Mahmoud Abubakar Magaji SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter, citing that the law has gone through legislative processes and the order was made after the action was done.

Ibrahim Isah Wangida, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, aligned himself with Magaji’s submission, stating that the applicant’s rights were not breached as the 2024 law was repealed and accented to before the applicant filed the action.

Sunday Ekwe, counsel to the 5th and 6th respondents, stated that they did not file any issue on jurisdiction, as the duty of the police is to maintain peace and wait to carry out the court’s order.

The court requested written submissions from both sides and will review them before rendering a decision on June 13.The respondents in the suit include the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General of Kano State, Kano Commissioner of Police, Inspector General of Police, NSCDC, and DSS.

This legal battle is part of a larger crisis revolving around the emirship in Kano, following the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State government, creating tensions in the ancient city.

Currently, both emirs are holding court from separate palaces, with Sanusi operating from the main emir’s palace and Bayero presiding from the Nasarawa GRA mini palace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command (WMC), has handed over 17 sacks of seized Cannabis Sativa worth over N96 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the seizures were made by a patrol team at the Bar Beach station in Lagos, following credible intelligence on the movement of a boat carrying suspected offending items. 

The team intercepted a fibre boat carrying the suspected items, which, upon examination, revealed 1,257 loaves of Cannabis sativa weighing 720 kg. 

In a related development, Officers also intercepted a wooden boat carrying 505 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value of N59,185,000. 

The Customs Area Controller appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs and Management for their motivation and appealed to the trading public not to engage in illicit trade. 

Receiving the items, Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Marine Operation, NDLEA, Bashir Magaji, commended the service for the fight against smuggling and assured thorough investigations and further actions.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Government has served quit notices to occupants of public parks and gardens in the state, with plans to recover these areas and restore them to their original purpose.

According to the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Nasir Sule Garo, the government aims to improve air quality and mitigate climate change challenges.

He added that the goal is to create a befitting public space for relaxation and ecosystem balance.

The state has also launched a tree planting campaign, targeting 3 million seedlings in collaboration with stakeholders.

In related efforts, the government is working with the ACReSAL project and the Food and Agriculture Organization to restore degraded lands and promote agricultural development.

The state has also established a soil and water laboratory and supported drainage clearance to prevent flooding.

Other environmental achievements mentioned by the commissioner include partnerships with the National Great Green Wall project, sustenance of drainage clearance and sanitation exercises, and erosion control measures.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslims to look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH on Thursday, June 6.

This is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH.

In a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, the Sultan requested Muslims to report any sighting of the new moon to the nearest District or Village Head, who will then communicate it to the Sultan.

The Sultan prayed for Allah’s continued support for Muslims in their religious duties.Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam.

During this month, Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage and celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.

The month begins with the sighting of the new moon, and Muslims gather in Mecca for Hajj from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, celebrating Eid-El-Kabir on the 10th to 13th.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has recommended that former Governor Nasir el-Rufai be prosecuted for alleged abuse of office and money laundering during his administration.

An ad-hoc committee led by Henry Zacharia investigated and found that loans obtained under el-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes, and in some cases, due process was not followed.

According to the report submitted by Zacharia on Wednesday, the committee discovered that most of the loans obtained were not used for their intended purposes, and in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans.

The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of the ex-governor and some other indicted members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for abuse of office through the award of contracts without due process, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.

This recommendation follows an investigation by the ad-hoc committee set up by the House to investigate the activities of the previous administration.

The committee’s report has been submitted to the House, and the recommendation for prosecution has been made.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Senate has given the green light to a bill that would substantially increase the salaries of judicial officers across the country.

The proposed legislation, which was forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, aims to improve the remuneration of judges and other judicial personnel at both federal and state levels. 

The Senate’s approval of the bill is a major boost for the judiciary, recognizing the critical role that judicial officers play in upholding justice and the rule of law.

The proposed pay increase is expected to enhance the attractiveness of careers in the judiciary, enabling the sector to retain and attract top talent. 

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has thrown his weight behind the president’s proposal, urging the Senate to pass the bill.

The move is seen as a significant step towards recognizing the valuable contributions of judicial officers to the country’s justice system. 

The approval of the bill is a positive development that is expected to have a positive impact on the judiciary and the country as a whole.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

A landlord, Benjamin Apeh, has tragically died after collapsing during an argument with his tenant over unpaid rent. 

The incident occurred on Sunday at Arigbabu Village, Sotubo, in the Sagamu local government area of Ogun.

“The suspect fled the scene, but efforts are underway to apprehend him,” said SP Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer, Police Command, Ogun.

According to the police, the argument started on Saturday evening and continued on Sunday morning, with the tenant threatening to kill the landlord. 

“At around 6:30 a.m., on Sunday, she (the daughter of the deceased) heard her father again arguing with the tenant, who threatened to kill him,” said Odutola.

Unfortunately, the landlord collapsed and was rushed to NNPC Hospital, Mosimi, where he was pronounced dead. “He was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” said Odutola.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Morgue, Sagamu.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their industrial action, just one day after it began. 

The strike, which started on Monday, was called to protest the recent hike in electricity tariff and the lack of agreement on a new minimum wage.

However, following an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the labour unions agreed to suspend the action for one week. 

“The strike is suspended for now, but we will resume if our demands are not met,” said Festus Osifo, TUC President. 

The strike had caused widespread disruptions, with schools, businesses, hospitals, and airports shut down. The national grid was also affected, leaving many without power. 

The suspension of the strike provides a temporary reprieve for the government, but the labour unions remain resolute in their demands.

A communique is expected to be issued soon, outlining the next steps in the negotiations. 

The outcome of the talks will be closely watched, as the nation waits with bated breath to see if a resolution can be reached.