Abuja

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the acting Secretary of the commission, effective immediately.

This follows the voluntary retirement of the former Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Kontagora, on December 6.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publications Division, it was revealed that Shutti, who had served as the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance at NAHCON since 2023, would hold the acting position until a substantive secretary is appointed.

Shutti’s career with NAHCON spans from 2007 to the present, during which he has held several key positions, including Head of the Tour Operators Division, Assistant Director of the Licensing Division, and Deputy Coordinator of the Makkah Office in 2022 and 2023.

With a Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies, and a Diploma in Journalism, Shutti has also enhanced his expertise in Hajj operations by attending numerous seminars in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Known for his in-depth understanding of Hajj and Umrah operations, Shutti’s experience is expected to facilitate a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.

By Anas Abbas

In a recent briefing, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) revealed that 2024 saw the successful rescue of 105 individuals from various building collapse incidents across the territory.

Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Acting Director General of FEMD, shared these statistics during a media conference held yesterday in Abuja.

The reported collapses occurred in several locations, including Prince and Princess Estate, Guzape District, Garki 2, Kubwa, and Sabon Lugbe along the Airport Road.

Mohammed highlighted that the department’s efforts not only focused on building collapses but also addressed other emergencies such as fire outbreaks, flooding, and earth tremors, while distributing relief materials to affected individuals.

Reflecting on the department’s activities over the past year, Mohammed noted that FEMD successfully saved approximately 3,500 lives through 165 calls made to its emergency toll-free number, 112.

He provided a detailed account of their search and rescue operations: “In 2024, we rescued 75 individuals from flood-related incidents. Unfortunately, we did record one fatality due to flooding in Angwan Hakimi, Orozo, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council. To alleviate the impact of heavy rains, we barricaded the slip road at Galadimawa interchange on June 25, reopening it on November 17.”

In terms of building collapses, he confirmed that while 105 people were rescued, there were four tragic fatalities. The incidents primarily took place at the aforementioned locations.

FEMD also reported significant success in managing fire outbreaks, rescuing 1,230 individuals without any loss of life. Notable incidents included fires at Old Karu Market, a fitness center in Gwarinpa, and various residential properties.

In a separate incident, FEMD officials and police intervened to prevent a suicide attempt on a mast atop Katampe Hill. Their quick response showcased their commitment to community safety.

The department also addressed concerns regarding an earth tremor that affected Mpape, Katampe, and parts of Maitama Extension, which left over 2,000 residents in distress. A comprehensive report on this incident was submitted to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

On the issue of road safety, FEMD reported rescuing 89 individuals from road crashes, although three fatalities were recorded. In response to these incidents, they launched their “Operation Eagle Eye” campaign in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps. This initiative aims to educate commercial drivers at motor parks across the FCT on safe driving practices during the busy ember months.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of ten people, including four children, following a stampede during a food distribution event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama. 

The incident, which also left eight others injured, occurred early on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  

The distribution of food items was intended to assist vulnerable and elderly individuals but tragically resulted in a chaotic scene around 6:30 a.m. 

According to a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, four of the injured have already been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are still receiving medical attention.  

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, the Police Command called for increased caution in organizing such events to prevent future tragedies.  

“To prevent such unfortunate incidents, all organizations, religious bodies, and groups planning public gatherings in the FCT are directed to notify the Police Command in advance to ensure adequate security measures are in place,” the statement read.  

The Command warned that failure to comply with this directive would lead to holding organizers accountable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.  

The Police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property in the FCT and urged residents to report emergencies through the control room lines provided: 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has refuted claims of owning a piece of land recently revoked by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja.

The controversy stems from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s announcement of the revocation of 762 plots of land in the Maitama 1 District due to non-payment of statutory fees.

Among the high-profile names reportedly affected are former President Buhari and ex-Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Additionally, the FCTA has issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 individuals and organizations to settle outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or risk losing their plots.

However, in a statement released by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari denied ownership of the land in question, which had been allocated in the name of a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.”

He clarified that the foundation was independently established by well-meaning individuals and not directly linked to him.

“Shehu explained, “When the former President and his cabinet members were invited to apply for land during his tenure, he declined the offer, stating he already owned a plot in the FCT. He suggested the land be allocated to those without one.”

The statement further noted that the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation encountered challenges in obtaining the certificate of occupancy due to an exorbitant bill from the land department of the FCDA, which eventually led to the revocation.

“Those speculating about Buhari’s alleged land ownership should verify their facts and avoid spreading misinformation,” Shehu added.

The media aide emphasized that Buhari has no personal connection to the revoked land, as he owns only one plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking, intercepting various consignments of illicit drugs and arresting several suspects in multiple states.  

The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that a 42-year-old building engineer was apprehended on December 2 at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, while attempting to collect three pressure machines from South Africa. 

Hidden inside the machines were 7.40kg of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain.  

The shipment had initially arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on November 29 and was tracked by NDLEA operatives to a logistics company warehouse. 

However, the point of collection was later changed to Enugu, leading to the suspect’s arrest during a follow-up operation.  

In another operation, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa intercepted a Siena vehicle abandoned by its occupants after noticing the agency’s patrol team on Hildi-Askira Uba Road. 

The vehicle contained 511,000 tramadol pills, which were recovered early on December 6.  

Similarly, in Ekiti State, two suspects were arrested along the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis, weighing 1,323kg, in a J5 bus. 

The suspects reportedly planned to deliver the consignment to Ondo State for distribution in the North.  

In Oyo State, operatives seized 704kg of cannabis on December 6 at Idere Road, Igboora, while in Lagos, a 65-year-old grandmother was apprehended on December 6 at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, with 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup. 

Another man was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7kg of cannabis and 1.3kg of tramadol.  

The NDLEA has also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization lectures in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country. 

Among the institutions visited were Government Girls College, Maiduguri, and Progressive Secondary School, Ado Awaye.  

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retired) commended the agency’s operatives and lauded their efforts in drug supply and demand reduction, describing their achievements as vital to the agency’s mission to safeguard public health and safety.

By Uzair Adam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Sunday as part of his official tour of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other top government officials, welcomed Modi and his delegation to the nation’s seat of power.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which both countries established a strategic partnership.

Modi’s arrival on Saturday signifies a renewed focus on fostering ties between the two nations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated the importance of tackling corruption and other related offenses head-on, as he read a riot act to the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun, the CGC stressed that the unit’s operations must be free from corruption and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. 

“We are tasked with ensuring that our operations are free from corruption and that we uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our dealings to ensure a far-reaching impact on our economic stability and international reputation,” Alajogun stated.

He urged the newly inaugurated members to adhere to the standards of their new roles, adding, “You are the frontline defenders against corruption and environmental degradation.

Each of you has been selected for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service. Together, you will lead initiatives that foster accountability and restore public trust.” 

Olusegun Adigun, Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), praised the CGC for his commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity.

“I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for today’s inauguration,” he said.

“It is hoped that this event will empower the unit to deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff training on anti-corruption and the examination of system processes.” 

The newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Comptroller Emmanuel Osogba, pledged to implement policies enhancing transparency across Customs operations.

“Our focus will be on establishing clear guidelines for transparency, enhancing mechanisms for reporting misconduct, and engaging with different departments and units within the Service to foster trust and participation,” Osogba said. 

The ACTU members took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Their tenure will span three years.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, participated in the National Cybercrime Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier today. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and the European Union, organized the summit, which focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The event’s theme was “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development,” a demonstration of commitment to building digital resilience and ensuring a secure online environment for sustainable national development.

 The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially inaugurated the summit and launched a new Rapid Response Centre to address cybercrime emergencies.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime. 

The Governor commended the EFCC for organizing the National Cybercrime Summit, recognizing the event as a timely initiative to address the growing challenge of cybercrime. 

He emphasized the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront. My government is ready to partner in this endeavour because we recognize that combating cybercrime requires partnership.

“We need to work together with the federal government, EFCC, and other relevant bodies to address this global challenge. Our youths must also be involved, as they are both the drivers of technology and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The summit brought together prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Governors of Katsina and Zamfara, members of the National Assembly, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers and diplomats.

By Uzair Adam

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja heard testimony from Abubakar Kweido, the first prosecution witness (PW1), in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

Kweido testified that Mamman allegedly used funds from the Mambilla Hydro project account to purchase properties in Abuja.

According to Solacebase, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mamman with 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Kweido, an EFCC operative, stated that funds released to the former minister were traced to properties in Kado Estate and Wuse 2, Abuja.

Kweido also revealed that the investigation findings were presented to Mamman, who denied any connection to the properties.

Mamman claimed that his personal assistant, Maisbahu Idris, was responsible for receiving funds from the Mambilla project accountant and distributing them among ministry staff.

Further investigation led to a search of Mamman’s residence, where foreign currency and corporate documents belonging to Abangus Nig. Ltd, a company allegedly used to facilitate the diversion of funds, were discovered.

Payment vouchers and cash recovered at the former minister’s residence were admitted as evidence.

The trial will resume on October 23, 2024, before Justice James Omotosho.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has yesterday officially bade farewell to the 2023 Batch C National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who completed their one-year national service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) headquarters in Abuja. 

CGC Adeniyi, in a ceremony marked by a memorable passing-out parade, accompanied by senior officers, inspected the outgoing corps members as they displayed their final drill.

Adeniyi urged the corps members to uphold values like discipline, teamwork, and commitment.  

He said, “These are values you must carry with you into your professional lives.” 

He also praised the dedication and contributions of the corps members during their service year.