News

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman-Dogo Garba, stated that no deaths occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State, despite reports suggesting otherwise. 

At a press conference where suspects were paraded on Monday, Garba said, “Going by the records, so far, we are not aware of any casualties recorded.”

This claim contrasts with several media reports that assert at least five individuals were killed when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the protests.

Garba disclosed that the police arrested 873 suspects and successfully prosecuted 600 individuals for various offences, including “criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.” 

Additionally, 150 people were arrested for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government, and six suspects are under investigation for the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press.

The Commissioner of Police also revealed that 76 suspects, including a foreigner, were arrested for flying Russian flags and are being investigated for sedition at Force Headquarters in Abuja. 

Other arrests include 41 suspects linked to major crimes like “armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft,” and the police successfully recovered “two AK-47 Exhibit Rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Baku Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP), Super Markets.”

The command also rescued 13 trafficking victims and recovered various items, including “two AK-47 Rifles and one Beretta Pistol, 47 live ammunition, eight motor vehicles, and four sacks containing Exol Tablets.” 

Additional items recovered include “two Bajaj Boxer Motorcycles, 22 cows, 15 sheep, and four donkeys.”

He added that despite the challenges posed by the protests, Garba reiterated that the Kano State Police Command remains “committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

A commercial motor vehicle driver has returned a lost bag containing a substantial amount of money to the Kano State Police Command. 

The driver, Safiyanu Mohammed, ‘m’, 36 Years old resides at Rangaza Quarters, Ungogo LGA, Kano State, a driver indigene of Katsina State, found the bag on Friday, 9th August 2024, at Hadejia Road by Dakata Junction, and handed it over to the Police Command.

The bag was found to contain a large sum of money, but no unique identification or contact information of the owner. 

The Kano State Police Command is now calling on the rightful owner of the bag to come forward and claim their property.

To facilitate the return of the bag, the owner is required to provide proof of ownership and identification. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, commended the commercial driver for his exemplary honesty and urge anyone with information about the owner’s identity to come forward.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has strongly condemned the burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora town by suspected hoodlums, describing the act as “mindless and cowardly.” 

In a statement, Governor Bago stated that the attack was not only a violation of the Christian community but also a threat to the state’s harmony and unity. 

The governor assured citizens that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion, saying, “We will not condone this act of violence.” 

Governor Bago has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

He urged the people of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks, noting the importance of preserving peace and unity in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

Three teenage girls tragically drowned in a pond in the Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Saturday. 

The Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Dutse on Sunday.

The girls, identified as Fatima Sule (12), Nasiya Sale (12), and Huwaila Sa’adu (13), all from Tulla village, were reportedly cutting grass to feed their livestock near the pond when the accident occurred around 11 a.m.

According to the NSCDC, they received a distress call from the Tulla community shortly after 11 a.m. They quickly responded by sending officers, including divisional disaster management officers, to the scene for a rescue mission. 

Community members and NSCDC personnel worked together and were able to recover the bodies after approximately 30 minutes of searching.

The girls were taken to the nearest health centre, where they were pronounced dead. 

The investigation indicated that the spot where they were gathering grass was the same place where they drowned.

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Muhammad Danjuma, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged parents to monitor their children closely, especially during times when ponds and rivers are swollen, to prevent such tragedies.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council inaugurated its newly elected executives on August 10, 2024. 

Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Secretary of NUJ Zone A, disclosed this information in a statement on Sunday, which The Daily Reality obtained.

Kaura emphasised that the event showcased unity and commitment, with notable dignitaries from various sectors in attendance. 

This turnout underscored the Union’s crucial role in promoting professional journalism in Nigeria.

The statement read, “The ceremony featured the Vice President of NUJ Zone A, Muhammad Tukur Umar, who represented the National President, Chief (Dr.) Chris Isiguzo. 

“In his keynote address, Tukur Umar emphasised the need for the new leaders to prioritise the welfare and unity of NUJ members. 

“He called for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity during their tenure to ensure effective and impactful leadership.”

Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye. 

Dantiye congratulated the newly inaugurated executives in his remarks and pledged the government’s support. 

“He urged the leaders to seize this opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of journalism in Kano State,” the statement continued.

Comrade Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Zonal Secretary of NUJ Zone A administered the oath of office. 

The event was attended by a distinguished array of guests, including the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Commissioner of Justice, and the National President of NAWOJ. 

“Their presence added to the significance and colour of the occasion,” the statement added.

Kaura concluded, “The inauguration of the NUJ Kano State Council Executives is seen as a pivotal moment for the Union, with expectations high for the new leadership to uphold the values of dedication and integrity while working towards the Union’s growth and the betterment of its members.”

By Uzair Adam

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has set up a panel to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a professor from the Faculty of Arts.

The university announced the formation of the panel through a circular issued by Mr. B. D. Jonathan, the panel’s secretary.

The Daily Reality gathered that the identity of the accused professor has not been disclosed in the circular, which was made available to journalists in Benin.

The university has called on staff and students with relevant information or who are potential victims to come forward.

The circular assures confidentiality and protection for those who provide information.

The decision to form the panel follows social media allegations made by a former student who claimed to have experienced severe harassment from the professor during her undergraduate studies.

By Umar Umar Namadi

The Scoop Storytelling Initiative recently held a two-day workshop for journalists at Ventures Park, Maitama, in Abuja. The workshop focused on the art of inclusive storytelling, particularly for underrepresented and marginalised communities. 

In her opening remarks, Zainab Bala, the founder and Executive Director of the Scoop Storytelling Initiative, shared the personal motivations that fueled her journey to becoming a distinguished storyteller. Her passion for amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals led to the creation of this nonprofit initiative, which seeks to give a platform to those whose stories often go unheard.

The workshop aimed to inspire participants to craft stories that resonate with readers, drive meaningful change, and influence policies. 

The sessions were rigorous and diverse, covering key topics such as solution-oriented storytelling, data representation in journalism, language sensitivity, multimedia storytelling, conflict reporting, cultural competency, and intersectionality in storytelling. 

Zainab Bala herself, along with other experts, led these sessions, which provided participants with a comprehensive toolkit, instilling in them the confidence to engage with and impact their communities through their work.

After the workshop, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to elevating the voices of the marginalised through impactful storytelling. 

Through this initiative, the Scoop Storytelling Initiative continues its mission of empowering journalists to tell stories that matter—stories that reflect the complexities of the human experience and inspire actions.

By Uzair Adam

The UK government has disputed the claim made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) that it has approved approximately 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians in the current year.

This clarification was made by the British High Commission in Nigeria through a post on its X page, as reported by The Daily Reality on Saturday.

Recall that the NIDCOM, in a statement, mentioned a meeting between UK official Dr. Montgomery and NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to NIDCOM, Montgomery stated that “approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024.”

However, the UK government corrected this, noting that from April 2023 to March 2024, it issued 255,000 visas to Nigerians, a significant discrepancy from NIDCOM’s reported figures.

The Daily Reality also learned that the discussions also touched on the violent protests occurring in the UK.

The British representative reassured the Nigerian diaspora in the UK of their safety, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to being a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.

Montgomery emphasized, “The UK is home to people from diverse countries and races, and it will continue to welcome qualified individuals to live, study, and work. We will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that no Nigerians have been reported as casualties of the recent unrest.

She also mentioned that NIDCOM maintains ongoing communication with the Nigerian High Commission in London and various diaspora groups, with none reporting any casualties.

The Nigerian government has issued a travel alert in response to recent violent demonstrations by far-right and other groups in the UK, advising Nigerian citizens to be cautious.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government’s swift actions, including arrests, and urged Nigerians to remain safe and adhere to the travel advisories provided by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Data from the UK Home Office shows a 38% drop in study visas issued to Nigerians from March 2023 to March 2024, attributed to a policy change in January 2024 limiting dependents for international students, except those in research-oriented postgraduate programs.

The total number of visas issued to Nigerians decreased from 50,000 to 45,000, reflecting a broader 6% decline in main applicant visas. The highest issuance rate was in June 2023, followed by a slight decrease.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has received the Chief of Air Staff ( CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gombe on Saturday.   

The visit was part of Air Marshal Abubakar’s one-day official engagement in Gombe in furtherance of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing security and strengthening the formidable collaboration with the Gombe state government. 

Receiving the CAS, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its role in maintaining peace and security in Gombe State and the Northeast region, particularly on the sustained fight against insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts that threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria.  

The governor attributed the state’s relative peace and stability to the synergistic efforts of the military and other security agencies, assuring of his administration’s continued support to the NAF and other sister organisations.  

“Your visit today reaffirms the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to the safety and security of our people. We are grateful for the continued support and partnership, which have been crucial in safeguarding Gombe State and by-large, the entire Northeast sub-region against security threats such as insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts”, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated. 

He reiterared his government’s commitment to providing necessary logistics and infrastructure to aid the operations of the Air Force in Gombe State.  

“I assure you that we will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in Gombe State. At the NAF base, we will assist in building additional structures to accommodate your personnel and the facilities you deploy”, the Governor added.  

Responding to the requests made by the Chief of Air Staff on the need to create a buffer zone of at least 1 kilometre at all sides of the NAF Combat Reconnaissance Base, and connecting the base to the Gombe regional water expansion system, the Governor instructed the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) and the Ministry of Water Resources to fast track the process of providing the requests made by the CAS. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against deliberate attempts to hinder the progress of the Dangote refinery, adding that it’s significant in meeting Nigeria’s energy and foreign exchange needs. 

In a statement on his official X handle, Atiku drew an analogy, saying, “Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus.” 

He applied this principle to investments, stating, “With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery.

“I call upon all Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent us from reaping the benefits promised by this eagerly anticipated transformative endeavour.” 

Atiku’s warning comes amidst a dispute between the Dangote refinery management and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission over crude oil allocation.