News

 By Anwar Usman 

The troops of the Nigerian Army killed a kidnap kingpin and arrested two other notorious terrorists during multiple raids of IPOB hideouts in the state, the army said in a statement on their X account formally known as twitter on Monday. 

One of the operations was conducted at a suspected IPOB hideout in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, a community in Onuimo Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was targeted at the suspected IPOB Bigwig identified as Chinemerem, popularly known as “Bam Bam” in the community. 

“The operation led to the neutralisation of Chinemerem, as he attempted to reach for his weapon and the arrest of several of his accomplices,” the army said on their X handle. 

“A substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN equipment were seized, and the hideout was subsequently destroyed.” 

The statement said the troops subsequently intercepted other suspected IPOB/ESN members at another hideout in Ama Hausa in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. 

Tyey added that, “Overpowered in the ensuing shootout, the (suspected) terrorists were forced to flee in unruliness, abandoning a collection of ammunition and motorcycles”. 

Seventy-two rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (special), three rounds of 5.56mm, one FN rifle, a pair of military desert boots and one green beret were recovered from the hoodlums, according to the army. 

Though the army did not identify the security operatives who took part in the operations, it said the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. 

A similar operation was conducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, which targeted two other notorious Bigwigs – Izuchukwu Emejuru, otherwise known as “Kingkong,” and Chibuzor Chikwe, also known as ‘’Onyema.” 

During the operation, some valuables reportedly belonging to Ugonna Iriele, the traditional ruler of Ogberuru in the Orlu Council Area, were recovered by the troops. 

Furthermore, “The raid resulted in the arrest of these suspects and the confiscation of a variety of weapons, including a Semi-automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol,” it said. 

IPOB, a group seeking the independent state of Biafra to be carved out of the South-East and some parts of south-south, Nigeria, has been linked to the deadly attacks in the regions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano State High Court has, on Tuesday, adjourned until July 4, hearing an application in the ongoing Kano Emirship tussle case. 

The Attorney General of Kano State, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly and Kano State House of Assembly, through their counsel Ibrahim Isah Wangida Esq, filed a motion ex parte dated May 27 seeking an order restraining court the 15th emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye from parading themselves as traditional rulers. 

The respondents are Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, Bichi Emir; Dr Ibrahim Abubakar ll, Emir of Karaye; Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, Emir of Rano and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya, emir of Gaya. 

Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Director of the State Security Service, Nigeria Security and civil defence and Nigeria army. 

During the hearing on Tuesday on all pending applications, Counsel to the applicants, Mr Eyitayo Fatogun SAN, informed the court that he was served with five processes on July 1, at about 6:30 p. m by the first respondent, adding that the responses have been filed accordingly. 

“We urge the court to give us 30 minutes to stand down to enable us to serve the respondent with our responses.” Counsel to Aminu Ado Bayero, Abdul Muhammed SAN, opposed the 30 minutes stand down and sought for an adjournment to enable him reply and file all their applications. 

The court then adjourned the matter to July 4, for hearing of all pending applications and originating motion. 

The court had on May 27, granted an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th respondents by themselves, servants, privies, from parading themselves as Emirs in the interest of peace in Kano. 

The State House of Assembly on May 23, dissolved all the four newly created Emirate council’s in the state and Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, reappointed Lamido Sanusi, as the Emir of Kano.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Freeman Charles Ogbonna, a Delhi, India-bound passenger, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug trafficking. 

Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday, March 31, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine. 

He was taken into custody by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the screening point of Terminal 2 of the airport.

Preliminary checks revealed that Ogbonna was using a Liberian international passport named Carr Bismark. 

However, further investigation revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna. He was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody, where he exhibited discomfort.

Ogbonna eventually vomited and excreted the drugs over four days, passing out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus. 

He claimed that he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives and was promised N300,000 if he successfully delivered the consignment in India.

The NDLEA arraigned Ogbonna before Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a charge of committing an offence contrary to section 20(1)(b) and punishable under section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 LFN 2004.

In his judgement, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Ogbonna to 25 years in prison without an option of a fine. 

The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the MMIA Command and the prosecution team for their diligent case handling.

Marwa stated that the judiciary remains a strong pillar in the effort to curb substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. 

He added that Ogbonna’s conviction would send a strong signal to drug barons and their mules that there would be no hiding place for them.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Tragedy struck in Katsina State as bandits killed Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), and abducted his two children. 

The attack occurred at the lecturer’s residence in Yarima Quarters, Low-Cost Estate, Dutsinma Local Government Area, around 1:30 am on Tuesday.

The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, shot sporadically to scare residents. 

An eyewitness reported that the hoodlums invaded the community, causing chaos and fear.

Dr. David was the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development at FUDMA. 

His killing is the latest in a series of bandit attacks in the state, despite efforts to restore peace.

The Katsina Police Command confirmed the incident, promising a detailed statement soon. 

The command’s spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged the attack but did not provide further details.

Dutsinma is one of the ten security frontline local government areas grappling with frequent bandit attacks almost daily, despite efforts by both the state government and security agencies to restore peace in the state.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, with many calling for increased security measures to protect lives and properties.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said no fewer than 25 persons died while 53 persons were injured in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. 

The corps’ public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement in Abuja. 

He said the crash involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons at about 03:15 a.m. Mr Ogungbemide said the accident was caused by a speed violation that eventually led the vehicle to lose control. 

“However, the FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash. 

“The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for proper medical attention,’’ he said. 

Mr Ogungbemide said the truck driver had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The spokesman, however, quoted the FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as calling on traditional and religious leaders to join FRSC in the campaign against conveying humans, goods, and animals by trailers. 

Mr Shehu also implored them to caution their subjects against travelling on such trailers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of arms and ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State.

According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the seizure was made on June 21, 2024, following credible intelligence. 

The intercepted container from Turkey contained 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, concealed among other items.

The total duty-paid value of the seized items is ₦4,171,710,000.00. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, and an investigation is ongoing. 

The CGC stated, “This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and committed to our duty.”

The seizure is a result of the NCS’s robust Risk Management System and collaboration with local and international intelligence communities. 

The container will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.

Licenses and permits for warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions. 

The Comptroller General commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism and acknowledged the support from local and international partners and other government agencies.

He warned, “This seizure serves as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures. We will run you out of business; the NCS continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of its citizens.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) held a prestigious event to mark the investiture of the Kano and District Society’s 43rd Chairman, Sa’idu Musa Bala, for the 2024/2025 term.

The ceremony, which brought together distinguished guests, including professionals in the accounting industry, business leaders, and government officials, took place on Sunday at the Grand Central Hotel in Kano State.

Other notable personalities attended to witness the formal induction of the new chairperson and celebrate the continued commitment to excellence in accounting practice.

A traditional title holder, Sarkin Shanun Kano, Shehu Muhammad, called on the new chairman to work diligently to ensure progress, emphasizing the importance of making significant achievements within the one-year tenure.

He stated, “The new chairman should work tirelessly to ensure that he makes wonderful achievements within the span of twelve months of his tenure. We also wish him the best of luck.”

Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago presented a paper titled “Spirituality and Godliness in Accounting Practice,” highlighting the promise of the accounting profession in the fundamental accounting equation, which represents moral truth: every transaction has a giver and receiver of the same value. He emphasized that accountants must act ethically, faithfully, and consistently in the best public interest.

He was quoted as saying, “However, in real life, accountants have not been able to harmonize or reconcile the latter and the spirit of accounting with happenings in society and to extricate the accounting profession from unethical and unspiritual transactions.”

Professor Dandago further stressed that Nigeria needs all practicing accountants and accounting officers in various public and private sector organizations to be ‘vaccinated’ with SAV (Spirituality, Accountability, and Vigilance) to protect the country’s wealth against the high level of fraudulent practices.

After his inauguration, the new chairman, Sa’idu Musa Bala, expressed his commitment to improving accountancy in Kano State.

He stated, “We are aware of the situation of the accountancy profession in Kano. Kano is the center of commerce in the country. However, many companies are failing every day, and the reason must not be unconnected to the lack of professionalism.”

He added, “Any company that you see making significant progress, if you look behind that company, you will see that they have many chartered accountants guiding them. A chartered accountant is like a medical doctor to any business. A businessman will come, and the chartered accountant will analyze that business, see where it is ‘sick,’ and provide a solution.”

The new chairman and the newly inaugurated executives are determined to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in accounting practice in Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

According to authorities, two female suspects have been arrested in connection with the detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Gwoza local government area of Borno State on Saturday.

A local government official confirmed that 30 female suicide bombers were sent to Gwoza to detonate IEDs at different locations within the area. However, only four suicide bombers had carried out the attack so far.

One of the female bombers, who came from the Pulka axis, detonated the IED at a checkpoint, killing herself, a soldier, and a civilian JTF member. The women were said to have entered Gwoza from different locations, including Pulka and the Mandara mountains.

Security operatives are currently on the lookout for the remaining would-be suicide bombers to prevent further disasters. The source explained that one of the female bombers that came from Pulka axis was responding to military interrogation at the checkpoint when she panicked and detonated the IED.

The Borno State government has condemned the attacks and vowed to continue the fight against insurgency. The governor of Borno State visited the victims of the bomb blast and reiterated the government’s commitment to ending the insurgency.

The investigation is ongoing, and security operatives are working to prevent further attacks in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The reason for the query is the non-participation of some districts in the traditional Durbar during the last Eid-al-Adha celebrations, two weeks ago.

However, as some observers pointed out, there has been a cold war between the Emir and Governor Dikko Umar Radda in the last six months.

They added that Governor Radda is bent on checkmating the Emirs’ perceived excessess.

Part of the governor’s plan, the observers who prefer to remain anonymous said, is to restructure the Emirate, bring on board some of the Emir’s sworn “detractors,” and appoint them to strategic traditional stools.

Incidentally, the governor and the Emir are blood relations. The Emir himself said so publicly during the 2023 electioneering campaign.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS) held its convention yesterday, where new leaders were elected.

The association’s convention was held at the Murtala Muhammed Library under the auspices of the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) constituted by the association’s stakeholders.

The mother union of all students of Kano has 136 registered local chapters in different universities and colleges, and 42 of them appeared at the convention and cast their votes. The president and secretary of each chapter are the delegates and are mandated to vote at the convention.

Announcing the results of the election, the chairman of the election committee, Yaseen Sulaiman Saye, said that the seats of Secretary General and Sports Director were the only seats that were duly contested by two aspirants each, while the remaining seats had single contestants.

The new leaders of the NAKSS national body are: Isyaku Ali Kanwa from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, who emerged as the association’s president, and Rabi’u Muhammad Sa’ad, Zainab Musa Isma’il, Sabi’u Rabilu Kabo, and Muhammad Ghali Muhammad as Vice President 1, Vice President 2, Secretary General, and Assistant Secretary, respectively.

Others are: Abdulyasar Muhammad Dabo, Treasurer; Abdulkarim Idris Namadina, Financial Secretary; Mustapha Abdu Saye, Welfare 1; Maryam Bala Isa, Welfare 2; Fiddausi Abdulkarim Salihu, Women Mobilizer; Abubakar Abdullahi Tabuke, Social Director; Abdullahi Ali Gambo, Auditor General; Ahmad Khamis Umar, Sports Director; Mustapha Mustapha Bashir, PRO 1; and Shehu Amiru, PRO 2.

The newly elected administration of the NAKSS National Body has a tenure of one year.