FCT Abuja

By Uzair Adam Imam

The development of security threats in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has become worrisome and continues to terrorise citizens.

Countries, including the United Kingdom and the United State of America, issued the wake of a terror alert to Nigeria and their citizens that have been in the country for various reasons. 

On Saturday, Nigeria was greeted by the Republic of Turkey’s words to deploy drones and helicopters to Nigeria to help the country cope with the fears of insecurity threats. 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, disclosed this adding that the drones and helicopters would soon arrive in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the country.

Bayraktar was reported to have made this intention public during the commemoration of the 99th National Day of the Republic of Turkey in Abuja.

He said, “The defence contracts signed between our countries last year marked a historical record.

“Taking this opportunity, I am proud to announce that two of our flagship defence industry platforms, Bayraktar (TB-2) drones and (T-149) ATAK helicopters, are set to arrive in Nigeria.

“We are confident that new Turkish defence products will support the efforts of the Nigerian government and contribute immensely to the peace, prosperity and security of fellow Nigerians,” Bayraktar said.

By Salisu Uba, FCIPS

I spoke on unlocking Nigeria’s innovation potential for economic growth and prosperity at the Digital Nigeria International Conference #DigitalNigeria2022 Innovation and Ecosystem Day in Abuja, held on the 28th of October, 2022. 

I focused on what innovation is in Tech and examined the top ten innovative countries; the difference is that they prioritise human capital development, infrastructure, and knowledge-based approaches to innovation. 

I emphasised Nigeria’s competitive landscape, which includes a youthful population, ICT-savvy people, low labour costs, the recent Startup Act, digital economy leadership, and internet access, as key drivers that can transform Nigeria into an innovative nation. 

I also stressed the importance of understanding how to diffuse innovation using the well-known Roger’s diffusion of innovation model. Surprisingly, despite technological advancements, the model remains applicable. 

I also discussed what young people could do to get to the point of developing and commercialising their ideas, emphasising the importance of equipping themselves with skills, networking, and openness. I consider these as factors that will propel one to success. 

More than 1000 people from all over the world attended the conference, which featured speakers from Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East.

The full presentation and panel session can be found on the websites of Digital Nigeria and NITDA.

Salisu Uba, FCIPS, is a blockchain expert and supply chain and commercial leader from Glasgow, United Kingdom. He can be reached via salisuuba@ymail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

It is no longer news that the security situation in the country is pathetic and worrisome. Even the blind can see that the country is held to ransom by forces that challenge the state’s monopoly of violence. It is appalling that governments at various levels have failed in their primary objective of protecting the lives and properties of citizens. Terrorism and other atrocious crimes are being perpetuated wantonly and daily.

However, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahya Bello, is doing something different and commendable. In a Nigeria stuck with a replete of security challenges, Bello seems to be a shining example worthy of emulation by the president and his brother governors. This explains the relative peace we enjoy in Kogi, although it shares borders with about ten states in the country. Even while the country’s capital is under siege by terrorists and bandits, the same can not be said of Kogi State, which is about two hours drive from Abuja. 

Other state governors have to learn that as chief security officers of their states, the responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of people in their state falls on their shoulders. As much as collaboration is necessary between the states and the federal government on internal security issues, there is apparent incompetence of the highest order on the side of President Muhammadu Buhari.

For example, whenever there is a security challenge in Kogi State, the governor actively engages locals and traditional rulers in the area of the security breach to proffer solutions. This has proved effective in curtailing crimes. Although every state has its peculiar security problem, it is high time the governors realized this and came up with creative solutions like Bello is doing. 

Although many Nigerians have realized President Buhari is a grand failure, it would still do the country immense good if the president adopts Bello’s carrot and stick approach to security. Bello queries and suspends government officials and traditional rulers complicit in security infractions.

Bello similarly rewards the officials who do the needful in forestalling attacks and maintaining peace. But, sadly, the president only expresses shocks and issues empty threats that are never backed with actions. He honestly needs to learn from Bello, his political son and acclaimed mentee.

Ahmad Deedat Zakari wrote from Kogi State via ahmadzakari111@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Federal Government College Kwali-Abuja has been shutdown after midnight attacks on the neighbouring Sheda community.

Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, attacked Sheda community on the night of Saturday June 23, 2022. According to locals, there were gunshots which lasted almost an hour and a resident was kidnapped.

Following the attack on Sheda, a community that shares the same border with the college, the school management has informed parents to pick their children from the school.

A senior staff of the college who spoke to the Daily Reality on ground of anonymity said:

“The management has gotten the approval of the Ministry of Education for parents to pick their children from the school pending when their safety can be guaranteed”.

The incident has prevented the students of the institution from completing their third term examinations, which supposed to come to an end on Tuesday.

By Aminu Muhammad

The Nigerian Police Force’s Kaduna State command has announced the re-arrest of Ali Shuaibu, 60, a suspected prison escapee from Kuje.

According to a statement made by Mohammed Jalige, the command’s public relations officer, Shuaibu, who was on his way to Kano State, was detained.

The Kano State native admitted that he was one of around 800 prisoners that fled the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja when terrorists raided the prison, according to a police official.

The police statement reads, “Sequel to the Commissioner of Police Kaduna Command’s directive to all tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to mount purposeful surveillance across all inlets to Kaduna State in response to the recent infamous Kuje Jail break as instructed by the Inspector General of Police, the operatives without prejudice to existing crime prevention measures, responded effectively which has started yielding a positive result with the arrest of a suspected escapee on the 17th July 2022 at about 1930hrs.

“The suspect, one Ali Shuaibu 60yrs of age and an indigene of Kano State, was apprehended by the police operatives at a location in Kaduna, while on transit to Kano based on active intelligence.

“The suspect on preliminary investigation revealed that he is part of the inmates who escaped during the recent attack on the Kuje medium security correctional centre.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna Command, Yekini A. Ayoku, directed that necessary protocols be carried out before handing the suspect over to the Nigerian Correctional Service for proper placement.

“He further tasked officers not to relent in their effort to effectively tackle all forms of crimes and criminality in all critical areas of the state.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Armed thugs have assaulted and restrained officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State in the 2023 general elections, Siminialayi Fubara.

The incident that surprised many took place Tuesday at the Port Harcourt International Airport when Fubara, alongside other PDP chieftains, arrived at the airport from Abuja.

The Daily Reality gathered that Fubara jetted to Abuja to receive his certificate of return alongside some of the PDP chieftains. 

The thugs, who were believed to be his supporters, reportedly thwarted the EFCC officials from arresting him.

The EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that the operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC were restrained from arresting Fubara.

Uwujaren condemned the development, describing it as a blatant attempt to obstruct justice.

He, however, warned that the commission’s civility should not be taken for granted. 

The Daily Reality recalls that the EFCC had declared Fubara wanted over alleged N117 billion fraud.

By Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Professor John Kester Ifeanyichukwu over allegations of bribery and inducement of officers of the Commission.

In a single-count charge brought before Honourable Justice A.O. Otaluka of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), High Court 12, sitting in Apo, Abuja, ICPC is accusing the Professor of issuing a cheque valued at $40,000 to a staff of the Commission.

The cheque was part of the $50,000 and a house in Abuja, promised to the officer to compromise the investigation by retrieving the accused person’s devices, Macbook S/N Ciml8bugdty3, Macbook S/N W80204j7atn and iPhone Pro11 which were in the custody of ICPC for investigative activities.

John Kester Ifeanyichukwu had earlier been reported to the Commission by the Presidency for alleged acts bordering on corruption, extortion and money laundering.

ICPC, in a charge No: CR/025/2022, informed the court of how the defendant induced one of its operatives to smuggle out a particular iPhone and a laptop and replace them with a dummy that was to be provided by his personal assistant.

The accused person’s action is contrary to section 18 (B) and punishable under section 18 (D) of the corrupt practices and other related offences act, 2000.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Therefore, he was admitted to bail in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction, and one of them must have a landed property n Abuja.

The trial judge also ordered that the defendant’s international passport and other valid travel documents must be submitted to the court before the next adjourned date; otherwise, his bail will be revoked.

The case has been adjourned to June 21, 2022, for the commencement of the hearing.

By Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

Justice M.N. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Abuja, has convicted and sentenced Daniel Prosper Nwabueze to one-year imprisonment for a romance scam.

Nwabueze was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation. That is contrary to Section 320(b) of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 322 of the same Laws.

Nwabueze pleaded guilty to the charge.

Based on his plea, prosecution counsel, Joyce Audu, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, defence counsel: Anoture Akpofure and Rachel Ogbebor pleaded that the court temper justice with mercy “as the accused is a first-time offender and has shown remorse”.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The police in Lagos State have confirmed being on the trail of one Ahmed for allegedly conspiring with one Uchenna Daniels to abduct his girlfriend, Hannatu Kabri.

The Daily Reality learnt that Daniels reportedly abducted Kabri in Abuja on March 31 2022.

After her abduction, Daniels took Kabri to Lagos, a catastrophic situation that put her family in a dilemma.

In an attempt to save Kabri, her parents had no option but to pay the ransom of two million naira for her release. 

The case was reported to the police, and a search was launched for the suspects, leading to Daniels’ arrest.

Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the spokesperson for the command,  SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the police were making efforts to arrest Ahmed and one Biliya who allegedly participated in the crime.

He added, “Operatives of the command tracked and arrested the suspect, Uchenna Daniels, at Allen Avenue, Ikeja. 

“The suspect revealed that the victim’s boyfriend one Ahmed and one Biliya planned the kidnap with him and collected a ransom of N2 million in Kaduna through a Bureau de Change from the parents of the victim before she was released.

“The suspects used a toy gun to commit the crime. An investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan over the death of his two personal staff in a road accident.

A statement signed Friday by the presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, contained the commiseration. 

The President expressed gratitude to Almighty God for having the former president escape unhurt from the accident.

However, he also advised Jonathan not to be distracted from his frequent local and international travels. 

Reports disclosed how the former president’s convoy was involved in an accident in the vicinity of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The accident that took place Wednesday had claimed the lives of two orderlies.