Kaduna

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi, has taken swift action in response to allegations of extortion by an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The incident allegedly occurred along the Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State. 

According to reports, the officer in question is accused of extorting the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) from a car buyer named Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad.

The complainant reported the incident, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. 

Addressing the media at the unit’s headquarters in Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi confirmed that the suspected officer is a member of the unit deployed to the Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State. 

He stated the gravity of the allegations and the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to uphold integrity and discipline within its ranks. 

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his Management team frown upon such unruly behavior,” stated Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi. “The disciplinary committee will conduct a diligent and firm investigation into this matter.” 

The suspected officer has been handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Customs Police Unit in Kaduna for a discreet investigation.

Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be transmitted to the Nigeria Customs Service Board for further action. 

“We are deeply concerned and assure the general public that this matter will be treated with the deserved vigor, decisiveness, and transparency,” he added. 

The Comptroller pledged to provide updates on the investigation’s progress, urging the public to continue rendering support and cooperation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and any misconduct within its ranks will be thoroughly investigated and addressed accordingly.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

The recent Facebook ribbing about the number of professors from states and localities in various northern cities with universities reminds me of the male adolescent macho posturing of “mine is bigger/thicker than yours” game played behind classrooms! I am even mentioned as a trophy — “yes but WE are the ones with a double professor!” referring to my being from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in Kano State (Daneji in Kano Municipal).

The whole thing was ignited by an infographic with its origin in ₦airaland Forum where one Zafsy75 posted the graphic. Right away a fierce debate ensured on the forum with many commentors disputing the figure. Zafsy75 themselves did not provide additional scientific methodology on how they arrived at the figures. Nevertheless, they infographic became viral — and started the prideful ‘mine is bigger than yours’ ribbing.

The infographic was from Statisense which uses Generative Artificial Intelligence to generate its data! A search on its site revealed another graphic of “most professors” in Nigerian universities, in September 2023, with the University of Jos leading with 530 professors. BUK had 434 professors which included 10 women. I can personally count more than 20 women professors in BUK in 2021, not 2023! No methodology was provided as to how the figures for the universities were arrived at.

People should be aware that AI generated data is based on what the engine can find — it does not create the data. Thus, it is actually not possible to accurately determine the number of professors per state or local government even based on the much-quoted NUC Directory of Full Professors, 2021 (link to the publication attached below).

This is because the directory lists professors by DISCIPLINE in order to promote research collaboration and networking amongst Nigerian academics. Also, the Directory was not based on official submissions by various universities, but voluntarily by INDIVIDUALS which was synthesized and summarized by NUC. Additional source for the AI was personal websites where a professor proclaims to come from a particular university.

Thus, not EVERY professor agreed to submit their details to be captured. With this, it therefore becomes very difficult to accurately determine the number of professors from each state, as that was not the focus of the Director (or NUC’s intentions).

You can only get the official number of professors from individual universities. As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors with the largest category being in Medical Sciences. All the professors were, however, not listed by their States or Local Governments, but their DEPARTMENTS or specializations.

So, I can’t see how the game of ‘mine is bigger than yours’ started. I believe; however, it was started by the infographic floating around showing the number of professors per UNIVERSITIES in the various states. The graphic was not providing the number of professors per state of origin, but per the universities IN the state. It made it clear by stating it is “by state where the school is located.”

Thus, if you are from Anambra and are a professor in BUK, this infographic will capture you as being from a university in Kano, but you will not be captured in any university in Anambra. In this way, it does not tell you the number of professors from indigenous to Anambra.

Right away, it is faulty (or fake). As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors. Last week another 11 were announced bring the total to 392 as of February 2024. So how can Kano have 428 professors in 2022? Granted there are many universities in Kano, but the main prominent ones — Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Yusuf Maitama Sule University — are basically tributaries of BUK. Indeed, most of the others rely on BUK professors as ‘visiting’ to their faculties.

Kaduna State where Ahmadu Bello University is located has at least eight universities — and you want me to believe the entire universities in the State have 62 professors? I am sure Kaduna State University (KASU) alone had either more than or close to that.

While the ribbing was fun while it lasted, at least it wakes us up to the idea of fake data and weaknesses of Generative Artificial intelligence.

As promised, below is the link to the authentic number of professors voluntarily submitted to NUC as of 2021. BTW, yours truly is listed TWICE on page 836. They still pay me single salary, though!

Directory of Full Professors in the Nigerian University System, 2021: https://shorturl.at/yKV34

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The abduction of Kaduna-based ophthalmologist Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, her husband Nurudeen Popola, and their 16-year-old guest AbdulMugniy Folaranmi has taken a grim twist as reports indicate the abductors are unyielding in their demand for a N100 million ransom, one month after the initial kidnapping. 

Despite the family’s earnest attempts to negotiate a reduction in the ransom, the kidnappers have held their ground, insisting on the hefty sum.

The kidnappers, who allegedly broke into the ophthalmologist’s residence on December 27, 2023, at 1 a.m., took the doctor, her husband, and their teenage guest. 

Communication from the kidnappers only commenced on the fourth day, with a demand for N100 million for the release of the victims.

The family source revealed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the couple if the ransom wasn’t paid by January 18, reasserting their demand on Friday. 

Despite the family’s plea to consider a reduced amount, such as the N20 million they were able to raise, the kidnappers remained unyielding.

The family is now grappling with the situation, expressing confusion about the way forward. Efforts by the family to seek assistance from the Air Force and police authorities yielded assurances of ongoing endeavours to secure the victims’ release without harm.

However, the family, facing exhaustion, has called on the Nigerian government to intervene, as they find it impossible to meet the demanded ransom. 

In response to inquiries, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan affirmed that the police are actively working to secure the release of the abductees without casualties.

He underscored the commitment to rescuing victims from abductors and emphasised efforts to prevent harm during the rescue operation.

 By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, announced that four people have died and 56 others have been injured in a road crash on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. 

Mr. Kabir Nadabo, the Sector Commander, relayed the traumatic incident to journalists, which he said occurred at Sabon Sara village along the expressway on Tuesday. 

He said that the tragic accident involved a trailer (Iveco) with registration number MKA99YS, and it occurred at around 03:30 hrs. 

“The combined rescue teams of RS1.113 Zhipe and RS1.17 Birnin Yero conducted the rescue,” he said. 

According to Nadabo, the initial investigation revealed that the cause of the crash was the overloading of goods and humans, as well as fatigue. 

He said, “Further investigation of the incident shows that 73 people were involved in the crash, 59 got injured, and sadly, 4 were deceased.” 

He said the injured have been conveyed to St. Gerard and AP Smart Hospitals, all in Kakuri. 

“Kaduna State is a critical corridor that links the North to the South; this is why the Kaduna State Command has activated several measures and homegrown initiatives. 

”Like the establishment of roadside camps at Kakau and Rigachikun to promptly respond to crashes, the provision of standby ambulances at Jere, Doka, Kakau, Gonin Gora, Rigachikun, Zaria, and Tashar Yari, with experienced staff to handle first aid care. 

“Also, the corps in the state will continue to aggressively create awareness and sensitization among road users on general safety ethics. 

“For the record, I want to inform the public that henceforth, any driver arrested for overloading of goods and humans will be arraigned before the courts for prosecution for endangering the lives and properties of Nigerians. 

“Already, concerted efforts have resulted in the arrest of the trailer driver involved in this crash. 

“I wish to emphatically reiterate our resolve in reaching out to stakeholders, particularly transport unions, to preach and sensitise their drivers on the dangers of excessive speeding, overloading, dangerous driving, and using their phones while driving, among others,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a strong stance against what they deem a failure of the federal government to provide adequate compensation for the victims of the Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna state, lawyers representing the Concerned Northern Forum have issued a threat of legal action.

The tragic incident unfolded during the Maulud celebration last Sunday night, claiming the lives of over 80 villagers. 

Nafi’u Abubakar, the spokesperson for the lawyers’ forum, conveyed their unwavering commitment to securing justice for the families impacted by the regrettable event.

Speaking to reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, December 9, Abubakar stressed the urgent need for the federal government to take swift and decisive action, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the incident. 

Abubakar notes, “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

“We also urge the Nigerian Army to reevaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations.” 

The forum, comprising over 600 members, extended sincere sympathies to the grieving families, affirming solidarity in their grief.

Abubakar stated, “We stand united with them and pledge unwavering support in ensuring justice is served. The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum will tirelessly pursue legal avenues to claim the compensation owed to the victims.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has insisted that the victims of the airstrike by the Nigerian Army must be properly compensated. 

The Sultan demanded justice at the Silver Anniversary of the 11th Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad, on the throne at the Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan, Kaduna, on Friday. 

Recall that the Daily Reality earlier reported the bombardment of Muslim faithful celebrating Maulud in Tudun Biri Village in Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army. 

Commenting on their commitment to seeking justice for the Kaduna airstrike victims, the Sultan said, “We are here not only to celebrate the emir but to also pray for the emirate and the lives of those killed in Kaduna State. We are going to push for it until justice is served to the  people.” 

The Nigerian Army took responsibility for the massacre and described the situation as a ‘mistake’. 

However, replying to the Sultan, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the incident in Kaduna as highly regrettable. 

“Our duty is to protect the citizens, we are going to take a serious action to make sure something like this is not going to happen again anywhere in the country. The president has ordered a thorough investigation on it,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

An incident that occurred on Sunday night in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has left people in mourning as the community became the unintended target of a military operation, resulting in the loss of at least 85 lives. 

The village was celebrating Maulud, an Islamic event, when the Nigerian Army dropped bombs, sparking widespread outrage. 

The state government, led by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, moved swiftly to address the escalating tension. Governor Uba Sani ordered a thorough investigation into the accidental bombing to prevent future occurrences. 

The government’s efforts included a meeting with Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and heads of security agencies, where the Army explained that the incident occurred during a routine mission against terrorists. 

Despite ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, with injured victims evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, condemnation poured in from various quarters. 

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International expressed concern over recurrent erroneous bombings, highlighting that over 425 individuals, including children and women, had been killed in military accidental bombings from September 2017 to 2023. 

The Nigerian Air Force, however, denied involvement, affirming that it had not conducted any operations in Kaduna State in the last 24 hours. 

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, urged media caution in disseminating unverified reports. 

The departed victims of the attack have been buried according to Islamic tradition.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Uba Sani’s victory as Governor of Kaduna State, dismissing the Peoples Democratic Party’s appeal challenging the March 18 election results.

The court upheld the tribunal’s decision, citing the PDP’s failure to adhere to legal timelines and highlighting irregularities in the evidence presented.

With this ruling, Uba Sani’s position is secure, concluding the post-election legal dispute.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Hausa entertainment industry mourns the loss of Usman Baba Fategi, popularly known as Samanja, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81 in Kaduna’s Garden City Hospital after a prolonged illness.

A retired Nigerian soldier, Samanja made significant contributions to the broadcasting industry at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna broadcasting station.

Survived by two wives and 14 children, his funeral is set to take place later today at the Jaafaru Estate Juma’at Mosque, Kabala Costain, Kaduna. The entertainment world bids farewell to a true icon.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Amed bandits stormed a mosque during early morning prayers on Tuesday, taking the lives of the mosque’s imam and a worshipper identified as Kabir. 

The attack took place at Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Two other worshippers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari. 

The tragedy was said to have unfolded at approximately 5 a.m. Zubair AbduRrauf, the Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, expressed the community’s anguish, highlighting the escalating violence perpetrated by bandits in the region. 

AbduRrauf emphasized that the Birnin-Gwari communities faced daily threats, especially farmers, and the situation had become dire along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway, making it perilous for travelers and commuters. 

“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari,” AbduRrauf stated. “The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed, but we need a change of strategy from them.” 

Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official confirmation or statement from the state government or the state police command at the time of this report. 

The residents, gripped by fear and mourning, are calling for urgent and effective security measures to curb the rising menace of banditry that has plagued their community. 

When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, promised to provide further information, indicating the gravity and urgency of the situation that has befallen the Birnin-Gwari community.