Abuja

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.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Many Nigerians are hesitant to travel at night, especially along routes considered red zones, due to security challenges, such as banditry and kidnappings. 

On Friday, September 1, 2024, we missed our flight from Yola to Abuja. The next day, Saturday, September 2, 2024, we embarked on an adventurous road trip from Yola to Abuja. We left Yola early, around 6 a.m., and reached the village of Lafiya Lamurde a few minutes before 8 a.m. Lafiya Lamurde is about 90 km away from Yola.

There, we encountered a security roadblock with several vehicles parked. Every Saturday is sanitation day in Adamawa State, so we had to wait until 10 a.m. when normal activities would resume. However, the road was opened 15 minutes earlier, at 9:45 a.m., allowing us to continue our journey toward Gombe.

A few kilometres before reaching Gombe, we had a flat tyre caused by our driver’s reckless overtaking on a sharp bend. An articulated vehicle had broken down on the road, and our truck struck some rocks while swerving to avoid it. We stopped to change the tyre, only to discover that there was neither a jack nor a wheel spinner in the car. Fortunately, the vehicle driver we had overtaken sensed the danger and stopped to assist us. With his help, we changed the tyre and continued to Gombe, where we bought a new tyre, visited acquaintances, and proceeded toward Bauchi.

We arrived in Bauchi around 3:30 p.m. After stopping at a fuel station to refuel the car, we took a break to perform our Zuhr and Asr prayers and had some small snacks. When we were ready to resume our journey, the vehicle refused to start. We initially thought it was a fuel pump issue, but after an electrician checked the car, he confirmed the fuel pump was OK. Suspecting an electrical fault, we called a mechanic, who determined the issue was actually with the timing chain. As it was approaching 6 p.m., we realised the car needed to be towed to a mechanic’s workshop for repairs.

With a morning meeting scheduled in Abuja, we hired a commercial vehicle for ₦70,000 to take us from Bauchi to Abuja. We left Bauchi just before 7 p.m., and it was already dark and raining when we reached Jos. Our driver mentioned that the road from Jos City to the famous “forest” was in poor condition.

From Jos, it was already past 8 p.m., and it was raining—we had embarked on a night journey, something many Nigerians try to avoid. Our journey from the famous “forest” to Abuja via Akwanga and Keffi was adventurous and surprisingly exciting. Despite the late hours and rain, there was heavy traffic and numerous security checkpoints.

We noticed that the checkpoints were strategically positioned, spaced a few kilometres apart. Some were manned by the military, others by the police, and some by civil defence officers. Additionally, we observed routine patrols by the army and the police, with some military patrols even using motorbikes. 

We must commend the security agencies—the heavy traffic was likely a result of people feeling assured by the strong presence of checkpoints. However, we also noticed the presence of local tax collectors operating on the road, even though it was late at night.

Transportation experts note that night journeys by road offer unique experiences: quieter roads, cooler temperatures, time efficiency, and even scenic beauty. However, they also come with challenges such as limited visibility, driver fatigue, and a heightened risk of accidents.

Our night journey from Bauchi to Abuja, which lasted from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. via Jos, Akwanga, and Keffi, was exciting and adventurous. The security presence was excellent—kudos to the office of the National Security Adviser and all the security agencies. The heavy traffic reflected people’s confidence in the safety of the route. However, many sections of the road were in poor condition, which remains a concern.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sports federations and promoting its athletes, following a resounding victory in a volleyball match against the Adamawa State team. 

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated, “I was optimistic that we would win, and we did, taking all three sets. We need discipline, teamwork, strength, stability, and intelligence — qualities we need not just on the court but also in our everyday duties as Customs officers.” 

Adeniyi attributed the team’s success to disciplined teamwork and resilience, adding, “We succeed in reviving these virtues while playing various games, and today’s success is what we hoped for — that our players would give their best in matches like this.” 

The Customs boss stated the service’s commitment to supporting its athletes, saying, “This is why we find it necessary not only to encourage our athletes within Customs but also to extend our support and sponsorship to federations that seek our assistance, as long as it is within our capacity.” 

The NCS volleyball team triumphed with a scoreline of 22-11, winning all three sets, in the first phase of the 2024 National Volleyball Premier League held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took to streets on Monday to protest against the persistent fuel crisis in Nigeria, calling for immediate government intervention.

The protesters demanded a reduction in petrol prices, which they claimed has caused significant hardship for many Nigerians.

They also called for the dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, citing his tenure as ineffective in resolving the fuel scarcity.

The protest follows a statement from the NNPCL highlighting that its substantial debt to suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies.

Carrying banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” and “No direction under Kyari,” the protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in addressing the crisis.

The demonstration ended at Unity Fountain, where Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, voiced his concerns about the ongoing fuel scarcity in a nation rich in oil resources.

He urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders to act swiftly to alleviate the situation, stating, “The time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr. Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 58th birthday.

Vice-President Shettima is an academic, accomplished banking professional, raconteur, and leader.

He was the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and senator representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends, and members of the executive arm of government to celebrate the quintessential administrator, orator, and bibliophile on this special occasion.

The President commends Vice-President Shettima for the enthusiasm, vigour, and affability he brings to governance.

President Tinubu thanks the Vice-President for his support and wishes him robust health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 97 individuals linked to the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, following a violent confrontation with police officers in Abuja on Sunday.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two policemen, with three others sustaining serious injuries on Sunday.

Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the clash.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the arrests were made based on credible intelligence.

He noted that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that all measures be taken to ensure that those involved in the attack are prosecuted.

Adejobi further stated that the IGP is committed to maintaining law and order across the country and will not tolerate any form of anarchy or unrest.

He described the killing of police officers in the line of duty as “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing that those responsible must be brought to justice.

As investigations continue, the police have vowed to uncover the full extent of the attack and prevent future incidents of violence against officers.

The IGP expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased officers and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also called on the public to support the police in their efforts to uphold peace and security in the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The World Bank has described Gombe State as a model for other states in Nigeria for its remarkable achievements in implementing numerous development projects and programmes. 

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Dr Diop, who appreciated the commitment of Gombe State to executing World Bank-supported projects across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment, agriculture, and water resources, noted that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s approach has not only accelerated development but has also demonstrated a clear example of effective governance and accountability in the utilization of funds.

Among the standout projects mentioned by the WB country director were the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), the SPTAS and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), which he noted have significantly improved the well-being of citizens by enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to clean water, and boosting economic opportunities.

Dr Diop emphasized that Gombe’s commitment to these projects has set a high standard for other states in Nigeria, adding that the World Bank now sees the state as a successful model of partnership that effectively addresses local challenges while fostering sustainable growth and development.

Dr. Ndiame Diop, however, also pointed out areas where the state could further strengthen its efforts, especially as some of the ongoing projects are approaching completion.

 He emphasized the need for sustained momentum and strategic planning to ensure that the impact of these projects continues to be felt even after they wind down. 

He stressed that Gombe must take proactive steps to consolidate the gains already made by institutionalizing reforms and integrating them into the state’s development agenda. This, he noted, would ensure that the benefits of these programmes are not only sustained but scaled up for greater long-term impact. 

He assured that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Gombe State in these efforts and encouraging the government to explore new avenues for collaboration that would address emerging challenges and ensure the continuity of progress in key areas.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya acknowledged these observations in his remarks and reassured Dr. Diop that his administration is fully committed to restrategizing.

He expressed optimism that with continued partnership and innovation, Gombe State would maintain its developmental trajectory and deepen the successes achieved through ongoing and future projects.

He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank in driving progress and providing much-needed services to the people of Gombe State in line with his Development Agenda. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the state’s priorities are fully aligned with its development agenda, and Gombe remains committed to leveraging World Bank projects and initiatives from other development partners to achieve its goals. 

He pointed to the Network 11-100 project, which is being executed in collaboration with RAMP, the ACReSAL project and the SPTAS programme, as clear examples of the state’s success through its strong partnerships with the World Bank.

He reiterated that his government will remain focused on impactful projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially in areas such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to harnessing technological advancements to fortify the country’s borders and facilitate trade.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this declaration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi. 

Adeniyi expressed the NCS’ readiness to partner with the DRDB to sustain its commitment to technological development, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”

He reiterated the need for constant technological development, saying, “Any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave.” 

The NCS has already set up structures devoted to special intelligence and geospatial intelligence to combat border crimes.

Speaking, Adeniyi noted the importance of research and development, citing the Command and Staff College, where students engage in periodic research and operations. 

Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, sought partnership with the NCS to address border security concerns, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.”

He also expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, saying, “I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership.”