Thursday, 16 December 2021

Man arrested for masterminding the abduction and murder of his wife so he can inherit her numerous assets (photos)

The Operatives of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested four (4) suspects in connection with the abduction and gruesome killing of the late Mrs Nneka Nwanyi-Sunday Emeh Kalu who was earlier reported missing and later found dead in a cassava farm on August 29, 2021 in Ngugworo Community in Nguzu Edda in Afikpo South, Ebonyi State.

A statement released by Police spokesperson, Frank Mba, says the suspects identified as Irem Ifeanyi Mbah, Igwe Anya Chima, Okorie Okam and Emeh Kalu – the husband of the deceased and the principal suspect. The suspects are within the age bracket of 25 – 40yrs and all native of Nguzu Edda village in Afikpo South Local Council Area of Ebonyi State.
 
Mba said investigations into the death of the victim followed a complaint received from the people of Ngugworo community, Ebonyi State, a border town to Abia State where the victim resided when the decomposing body of the late Mrs Kalu was discovered in their community. The discrete investigations carried out by the Police team led to the arrest of the four suspects.

''Investigations by the Police team revealed that Emeh Kalu – the husband of the deceased, in a bid to fraudulently and hastily ‘inherit’ his wife’s numerous assets including landed property, houses, money in bank and thriving business, etc, procured the services of five (5) other criminal elements to stage the abduction of his wife by luring her to meet him at a junction to pick up somethings for the house.

Investigations further revealed how the criminals strangled her to death after obtaining necessary information on the whereabouts of title documents and other relevant papers of her possessions. Efforts are being intensified to arrest other suspects and persons indicted in the matter with a view to concluding the investigations.  
 
While condoling with the family of the deceased for the unfortunate loss, the force spokesperson enjoined families and relatives to be their “brother’s keeper” and provide prompt information to the Police that would assist in proactively containing crimes and all forms of gender-based violence.  

Mba added that all the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of the investigation.

FEC approves 20% upgrade in police officers salary

The Federal Executive Council has approved a 20 per cent increase in salaries for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday December 15.

Noting that the upward review is a product of the issues raised during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, Dingyadi stated that the decision was taken to boost the morale of police personnel across the country.

The increase will take effect from January 2022.

 

 

Wednesday, 15 December 2021

African football chiefs hold talks over cancellation of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations due to Omicron Covid-19 variant'


The Confederation of African Football [CAF]  are reportedly holding talks over cancelling the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournament in Cameroon next month.

The Cameroon tournament is due to start on January 9 and run until February 6, with several Premier League players - including Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane set to leave their clubs mid-season to take part in the competition.

African football chiefs hold talks over cancellation of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations due to Omicron Covid-19 variant

According to French news outlet RMC Sport, the Central African Federation (CAF) could announce a cancellation as the Omicron variant continues to ravage the continent. 

The tournament's organizing committee met with the CAF at the end of October to unveil their findings in a preparation report for the tournament. The committee announced that 'urgent attention' was needed for the competition to go ahead safely.

One of the areas that required urgent attention was 'sanitary matters' relating to the coronavirus pandemic and the welcoming of fans into the Cameroon stadia. However, the same committee signed off the Organising Agreement between AFCON and Cameroon, which states the tournament was set to go ahead as planned.  

But there are doubts about staging the tournament, which will be welcome news to Liverpool, who will lose key attacking duo, Salah and Mane, for a key part of their Premier League title challenge, should the competition take place.


We will ensure tenants pay monthly from 2022- Lagos state gov, Babajide Sanwo-Olu


The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration will enforce a monthly tenancy on property occupancy from 2022 to alleviate annual financial pressure on tenants.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said this during the inauguration of 744 units Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Phase one) in Sangotedo., on Tuesday, December 14.

“The state government is set for the enforcement of a monthly tenancy on property occupancy from 2022. It is confirmed that the percentage of residents depending on tenancy arrangements for housing in Lagos State is quite high.

“While building homes for those with home ownership dreams, we are also determined to cater for numerous others who may not have plans to own homes but have immediate needs for decent shelter.

“The monthly tenancy is a pro-people plan to reduce financial pressure of yearly rent on tenants. The goal of this policy is to equate rental arrangements with a mode of earning which is by and large monthly.”

The governor added that a legislative review was ongoing to reduce rent default.

“We have talked through this policy and an agreement has been reached by representatives of tenants, financiers and the state government. This however should not be a cause of discontent or alarm for landlords or real estate agencies. Adequate legislative review is being done to ensure that rental default is reduced to the barest minimum,” he added
 

O.J. Simpson now a completely free man after being discharged from parole

The 74-year-old former football hero and actor, convicted of armed robbery after his famous 1995 acquittal for the murder of estranged wife Nicole Brown Simpson, has been granted early release from parole over the 2007 heist in Las Vegas.

“Mr. Simpson is a completely free man now,” his Nevada lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, told the Associated Press on Tuesday December 14.

Simpson, 74, was convicted in October 2008 for leading five men, two of them armed, into a Las Vegas casino-hotel a year earlier to confront two sports collectible dealers.

The former Buffalo Bills star running back had claimed he was simply trying to retrieve items from his NFL career that had been stolen. But the jury didn’t see it that way.

Simpson served nine years behind bars before being released on parole in 2017. He was supposed to be under parole supervision until Feb. 9 but got time trimmed off for good behavior, state police said Tuesday.

His official release date was Dec. 1, police said.

Simpson has remained in a gated community in Nevada, where he’s a regular on the golf course since his release from prison.

Despite a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, Simpson is more widely known for his murder trial in the death of his estranged wife and her pal Ronald Goldman.

EFCC Raids Abuja Hotel, Arrests Woman, Others With Fake $427,400

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested five members of a syndicate who specialise in counterfeiting foreign currencies, especially the dollar, for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

Acting on intelligence, the commission, in a joint operation with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested four members of the syndicate on December 8, 2021, at Swiss Pearl Continental Hotel, Koforidua Street, in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja with fake $427,400.

The suspects include Fashanu Adesina, John Ogbaje, Emmanuel Bassey and Chidi Nwachukwu.

A statement on Tuesday by the EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren, titled, ‘EFCC smashes fake currency syndicate,’ said “The suspects volunteered useful statements which eventually led to the arrest of the syndicate’s kingpin, one Chief Douglas Mbonu on Tuesday, December 14.

“The commission wishes to warn members of the public to be wary of the activities of fraud syndicates masquerading as Bureau de Change operators, seeking to exploit the desperation of some citizens sourcing for forex for various purposes to defraud them of their hard-earned monies.

“Citizens are advised to source their forex from commercial banks in line with the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria to minimise the risk of exposure to fraud syndicates.”

Nigeria Gets First Vaccine Production Facility

MilliporeSigma Announces Collaboration with Innovative Biotech to Support Establishment of First Vaccine Production Facility in Nigeria. 

MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced the Life Science business sector has signed an agreement with biotechnology company Innovative Biotech (IB) to design the manufacturing process for the first vaccine production facility in Nigeria.

“We are committed to expanding access to life-saving and life-enhancing therapies to patients across the world and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment,” said Andrew Bulpin, Head of Process Solutions, Life Science business sector. “We are proud to provide the technical support and expertise that could help enable the first vaccine facility in Nigeria and localize vaccine development in the West Africa region.”

This collaboration is part of the West African pandemic readiness program, which aims to localize vaccine development in the African nations. The first phase of this integrated partnership focuses on designing the fill and finish facility, incorporating Mobius® single-use technology offered by the Life Science business sector, while the second phase will focus on enabling continuous manufacturing.

“By leveraging facility design expertise of the Life Science business sector, we’ll be able to build the first vaccine production facility in Nigeria and manufacture high-quality and affordable vaccines locally,” said Simon Agwale, CEO of Innovative Biotech.

Innovative Biotech’s licensor, TechnoVax, is developing a virus-like-particle (VLP)-based vaccine to target variants of Covid-19. Provisional results from the preclinical studies of the VLP-based vaccine have shown promise for virus neutralization. Technovax is a 2019 recipient of MilliporeSigma’s Advance Biotech Grant for developing a virus-like particle platform that facilitates the development and production of a range of vaccines targeting the prevention of respiratory diseases, hemorrhagic fevers, immunodeficiency and cancers.

2023: I Won’t Turn Down Your Calls, Tinubu Tell Nigerians


National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured his teeming supporters and other Nigerians across the country that he will not turn down their clamour for him to be the next President of the country.

Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with members of the Northern Alliance Committee.

He was quick to however add that consultations with political stakeholders were still ongoing.

Asked if he will not heed the clamour of Nigerians to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju said; “I am not going to turn them (Nigerians) down, but I will still effective and widely consult, particularly brainstorm with my friends and find a date to come out openly and tell Nigerians.”

“The president is still in office. I don’t want to distract him from all the challenges that he might face today. So, we will consult and make our programmes known to the people later and the intention is clear. So, you keep guessing.”

FG Debunks Reports That Marriages Conducted At Ikoyi Registry Are Illegal


PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY AND PRINCIPAL REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES, MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to news making the rounds on social media claiming that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared all Marriages conducted by Ikoyi marriage registry to be illegal and invalid.

We would like to state that this statement is false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the decision of the Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 3 others v. Honourable Minister of Interior and 2 others, where the Honourable Court held that only the Local Government councils can conduct valid marriages in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy that, the same Federal High Court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/870/2002 between Prince Haastrup and Eti Osa Local Government held that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior is constitutionally empowered to conduct marriages in Nigeria and held that the Local Governments were delegated by the Federal Government to conduct marriages, by virtue of Legal Notices issued pursuant to the Marriage Act.

In that case, the learned trial judge held that nothing in the role of local governments, as defined in the Constitution, suggests that local governments can conduct or contract marriages as alleged in their pleadings. The Court affirmed that powers of the local governments to contract statutory marriages is derived from the Legal Notices issued by the President. The Court also confirmed that the role of local governments, as enshrined in the Constitution is limited to registration of all forms of marriages (including Islamic and customary marriages).

Rather than appeal this decision, the same claimants instituted another action in 2016 Suit no. FHC/L/CS/1760/16 Egor Local Government, Eti- Osa Local Government and 2 others V Hon, Minister of Interior and 2 Others. The Court held that the Suit was an abuse of court process, as it could not be invited to make another pronouncement on the same point of law, which would lead to conflicting decisions coming from the same court and therefore struck out the case.

The same issue was adjudicated in the case of Olumide Babalola vs Ikeja Local Government and the Registered Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Suit No. LD/1343/GCM/2016 delivered on 15th May, 2017. The Court held that while registration of marriages are regulated by local governments, being under the concurrent list, formation of marriage is under the Exclusive Legislative List, within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, regulated by the Ministry of Interior.

It is further worthy of note that the issue of formation, annulment and other matrimonial causes are by virtue of item 61 of the 1st Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria exclusively reserved for the Federal Government.

The General Public is invited to note that these judgments are all still subsisting, competent and have not been appealed against till date.

Further to the above, the current decision of the Federal High Court delivered by Hon. Justice D. E. Osiagor of Court 6, cannot set aside a previous decision of the same Court, which is of coordinate jurisdiction, as that would amount to the court sitting on appeal over its own judgment.

In the circumstances, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, has applied for a certified true copy of the judgement and will take appropriate further action including but not limited to filing of an appeal in respect of this conflicting and confusing decision, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

We would like to appeal to the general public, the international community, to couples who had hitherto had their marriages solemnized at Federal Marriage Registries by duly licensed places of worship and to all intending couples to be calm and continue transacting their normal businesses at all Federal Marriage Registries subsisting throughout the federation in line with statutory and constitutional provisions.

The general public is to please note the foregoing and maintain status quo ante.

Dr. Shuaib Belgore
Permanent Secretary/Principal Registrar of Marriages
14th December, 2021

Tuesday, 14 December 2021

British singer, Ed Sheeran talked about his obsession with Fireboy DML’s ‘Peru’ and would hop on the remix

British singer, Ed Sheeran has disclosed that he is obsessed with Fireboy DML’s ‘Peru’ and would hop on the remix this December

The Grammy winner made this known during his 15 minutes chat via Apple Music’s ‘Rocket Hour’ platform with Elton John, adding that he finds the song addictive.

Speaking on how he got to work with Fireboy, Sheeran said,
“So I got sent his song ‘Peru’ a week ago, to remix it. Someone, a friend of mine, Jamal [Edwards] who runs SBTV sent it to me.

‘Fireboy DML would love you on the remix of this song and I’ve just found it really intriguing. So I recorded a verse for it and it’s a song that’s blowing up in Nigeria and Ghana at the moment and their club scene runs over Christmas’.

“So you basically put a song to the club in the middle of December, which would seem a weird thing to do in England. But yeah, so I have done the remix for this song, but the original is just an ear-worm, it’s addictive and I’m obsessed with it.

“I mean, Cherry will tell you, I’ve had this song on repeat constantly in the house for the last week.”

All Marriages conducted by the Ikoyi Marriage Registry are illegal and Invalid

There have been a legal brawl between some Local government Areas of Nigeria against the Federal government simply for the determination of who have the power to operate marriage registries, conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates.

Statutorily, the Local governments are the ones empowered to conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates, for this reason, the LGAs have insisted that their powers to register marriages which is statutorily provided are being usurped by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior.

The Eti Osa LOcal Government Area of Lagos state took the Ministry of Interior and Attorney General of the Federation to court in suit no.: FHC/ LS/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa LGA & 3 others v. Hon. Minister of Interior & 2 others (Federal High Court, Ikoyi Judicial Divaion), where the accused Federal Ministry of Interiors of usurping the Local Governments power to operate marriage registries, conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates.

The prayed the court to declare that the federal government have no business in the conduction of marriages and issuing marriage certificates and order the closure of all marriage registries opened and operated by the federal ministry of interior or through their agents including that of the Ikoyi registry.

The case lingered but recently, the federal High court sitting in Ikoyi held in the favor of the Eti osa local government and granted their prayers.

The court held that conduct of marriages and issue of certificate is statutorily the job of the local governments as provided by the law and only the local governments have the power to do such and the acts of the federal government through the ministry of interior operating marriage registries is clearly beyond their powers.

The court further held that all marriages conducted by federal marriage registries or through their agents are illegal and invalid and the federal high court also ordered for the closure of all federal marriage registries including that of Ikoyi marriage registry with immediate effect.

Stanley Alieke, Esq.
Managing Partner,
Stanley Alieke & Co.
infoitooknow@gmail.com

UAE backs down, concedes seven flight slots to Air Peace

In what appears as a move to avert a diplomatic row, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday conceded seven slots to Air Peace.

It has also granted the Nigerian carrier the permit to fly directly to Dubai instead of Sharjah Airport, a source said.

But, the government said it was unaware of alleged stoppage of Nigerians by the UAE from entering any part of the Emirates through other carriers.

According to sources, the General Civil Aviation Authority sent a December 13t, 2021 letter to Air Peace.

Although the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not copied in breach of protocol, the Federal Government was said to have received the letter.

Monday, 13 December 2021

Sheikh Gumi’s Brother Kidnapped By Bandits

Popular and controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has revealed the kidnap of his senior brother by bandits, saying they demanded ransom to regain his freedom.

Gummi revealed this in an interview with some journalists in Gusau, saying his senior brother was kidnapped because he made a case for bandits and for visiting them in their forest conclaves.

He, however, solicited the release of his brother, saying he had also been a victim of the bandits on several occasions.

“Also in our mosque, we have paid a ransom. Even now, somebody is asking me to assist him to pay the ransom. Our family driver who happens to be our relative, his son, a private soldier, was killed by bandits. So now I can support such people?” Gumi said.

However, the cleric said his efforts with bandits have been sabotaged recently, stressing that he has quit meeting with bandits because it will be dangerous for him to continue to engage with them.

The Islamic scholar blamed those calling for his arrest as those behind the banditry in the northern zone of the country, stressing that it is a constitutional right for someone to express his views.

The cleric said his efforts are to prevent banditry in his own way stating that he has also been a victim of banditry.

“They are clowns, they don’t know anything about the Nigerian society, they don’t know about the Nigerian constitution and liberty. It is a constitutional right for someone to express his views, so long you are not calling for violence or to harm anybody.

“These people calling for my arrest, I don’t see them different from the bandits. To say that I am supporting or sponsoring bandits is malicious. I am just trying to cure them in my own way. I am trying to prevent it my own way and I have seen how my little efforts have helped”

Sunday, 12 December 2021

NFF appoints Eguavoen interim Super Eagles’ boss as relationship with Rohr ends

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mr Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis. This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.

Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

“We also want to thank the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for their collaboration and guidance all through.”

Eguavoen, a former Nigeria captain, was coach of the squad when it finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006. He was on-field captain when the Super Eagles lifted the Africa Cup for the first time on away ground, in Tunisia 27 years ago.

He will now take charge of the team as it begins preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon 9th January – 6th February 2022, and until the appointment of a substantive Head Coach.

Tolulope Atobatele 
Sport Journalist

Thursday, 9 December 2021

UK travel ban on Nigeria is not discriminatory - British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said that the ban on UK travels from Nigeria is science-based and not discriminatory as it is being suggested.

Last week, the United Kingdom (UK) announced that travelers from Nigeria would not be permitted to enter the United Kingdom beginning from Monday this week as a result of the growing concerns over an outbreak of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.


The UK Health Minister, Sajid Javid, who made the announcement, said only residents and citizens of the UK and Ireland travelling from Nigeria would be allowed entry into the region adding that they will have to quarantine on arrival. He said the measures are required to slow the spread of the new variant while scientists work to understand more about the transmissibility and implications for vaccine effectiveness of the variant.

“In light of the most recent data we are taking further action to slow the incursion of the Omicron variant.

From 4 am Monday, only UK/Irish citizens and residents travelling from Nigeria will be allowed entry and must isolate in a managed quarantine facility” the statement said

The Federal government has since condemned the move. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at a press conference, described the UK's decision to bar flights from Nigeria because of the Omicron variant of COVID19, is unjust and discriminatory. 

In an interview with Channels TV, the UK envoy to Nigeria, dismissed claims that the decision to bar flights from Nigeria is discriminatory. She said the decision was science-based as they were in search of ways to contain the spread of the virus in their country.

''On the point that it is discriminatory, I can say it is not. When the UK was the epicenter of the Alpha variant, we took some very tough measures ourselves to cut ourselves off. We banned all non-essential from the UK. That was a very tough decision for us.

The UK has been red-listed itself in the earlier stages of this variant. We were needlessly barred from Austria, France and Turkey.

So we have been red-listed by other countries.''

''In terms of hearing the reactions from Nigeria, I can tell you the reactions have been heard loud and clear but I don't want to suggest to anybody that that would change the basis of the decision because the health basis has to be the basis on which the decision was made. 

As this unfolds, I hope there would be a point where before too long, Nigeria will be removed from the re list as soon as the health data convinces us that we can do that.''

Germany bids Angela Merkel farewell as Chancellor


German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped down after 16 years in power, as the German parliament elects Olaf Scholz as the next leader of Europe's biggest economy.

Merkel formally handed over the reins to her successor on Wednesday afternoon, in a bittersweet goodbye.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally appointed Scholz as Merkel's successor on Wednesday after the parliament elected him chancellor.

"It will be a new beginning for our country. In any case, I will do everything to work towards that," the 63-year-old said as he took his oath of office in an official handover ceremony in the Berlin parliament. 

Scholz was elected chancellor after a secret ballot in which he won 395 out of 707 German lawmakers' votes. Scholz will lead Germany's first federal "traffic light" coalition, made up of the SPD, the ecologist Greens, and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), and named for the parties' colours.  

Scholz will head a three-way governing coalition consisting of the social democrat SPD party, the Greens and the liberal FDP.

The SPD-Greens-FDP coalition sealed a pact, titled "Dare for More Progress" last month that pledged “a new beginning for Germany". 

The alliance aims to slash carbon emissions, overhaul decrepit digital infrastructure, modernise citizenship laws, lift the minimum wage and have Germany join a handful of countries worldwide in legalising marijuana.

“I know you are starting work highly motivated,” Merkel told Scholz at her chancellery in Berlin, adding: “take this office and work in the best interest of our country—that is my wish.” 

Welcoming Scholz’s election, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the new chancellor and promised to work with his German counterpart. 

"We will write the next chapter together. For the French, for the Germans, for the Europeans," said Macron in a tweet in French and German. He also thanked Merkel for "never forgetting the lessons of history, for doing so much for us, with us, to move Europe forwards". 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Scholz and said she looked forward to working with him for a stronger EU.   

"Congratulations, dear Olaf Scholz on your election and appointment as federal chancellor. I wish you a good start and look forward to further trusting cooperation for a strong Europe," she tweeted in her native German. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin also reacted to the appointment, calling for "constructive” ties with Scholz. 

"We are counting on continuity, on the fact that constructive relations will develop between the president and the new chancellor, that the German side will continue to proceed from the understanding that there is no alternative to dialogue to resolve the most difficult differences," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 

Merkel, 67, Germany's first woman chancellor, is retiring from politics after four consecutive terms, the first post-war leader to step aside of her own accord. 

Sunday, 5 December 2021

Rohr wants outstanding salaries, bonuses before quitting Super Eagles


Embattled Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has reportedly demanded the Nigeria Football Federation pay him his outstanding salaries of two months and an additional four months pay before he quits the team. 

Rohr has 12 months left on his deal with the NFF. He also asked to be paid bonuses for qualifying the Eagles for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and World Cup playoffs a close source told PUNCH Sports Extra.

The NFF and the sports ministry are said to be finalizing details concerning Rohr’s disengagement as well as the new coach to lead the national team but are yet to agree with the Franco-German over his severance pay.

“The federation is broke and cannot afford to meet his (Rohr) demands of disengagement,” a close source told PUNCH Sports Extra. 

Meanwhile, the NFF have ruled out any chance of appointing an indigenous coach for the team with the federation considering hiring Serbian Mladen Krstajic to replace Rohr if he is relieved of his job.

Rohr was appointed in 2016 and has recorded 28 wins, 13 draws, and 13 defeats in the 54 games he has been in charge of the team. He also led the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

COVID-19 : UK adds Nigeria to red list over Omicron variant

The United Kingdom has added Nigeria to its red list on an effort to restrict the spread of Omicron, a variant of Coronavirus. 

The UK made the announcement on Saturday, Dec. 4.

"From 0400 on Monday 6 December, Nigeria will be added to the red list for entering England," the UK government’s travel advisory on Nigeria said.

Following the latest development, all international arrivals to the UK will now be required to take pre-departure COVID-19 tests, the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said on Saturday.

UK citizens and residents will be able to enter the country from Nigeria but they will have to pay to stay in a quarantine for 10 days.

"Nigeria is second only to South Africa for cases linked to Omicron," Javid said.

He added that there are "27 cases already in England and that's growing".

Javid also said the measures are "hugely unfortunate" for people who already had travel plans, but insisted that they would be "temporary".

"We want to remove them as soon as we possibly can," he added, saying that "vaccines remain our first line of defence".

#Justiceforsylvester Police commence investigation into Dowen college student’s death

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 12-year-old Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, in Lekki Lagos on Tuesday, November 30.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, the spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, says the state Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the Maroko Divisional Police Officer under whose division the incident happened to commence an investigation into the matter.

The press statement reads

''The Lagos State Police Command is not unaware of the reported death of one Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos which is currently going viral on social media.

The Command wishes to inform the public that, although no formal report of the incident was made to the police, the Commissioner of Police, upon hearing about it instantly directed the Divisional Police Officer, Maroko Division under whose jurisdiction the place of incident is to immediately visit the school to carry out an initial investigation into the incident.

This directive has been carried out as an investigation into the case has since commenced. However, in view of the seriousness of the case, the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, has also been directed to take over the investigation of the case immediately.

Members of the public, particularly the deceased’s bereaved parents, friends and relatives, are assured that the Lagos State Police Command has deployed all available human and material resources at its disposal to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sad and unfortunate incident.

While diligent investigation is ongoing, members of the public are advised against taking the law into their own hands. They are also enjoined to refrain from comments that could jeopardize investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, while commiserating with the bereaved family, has equally assured that the outcome of the police investigation would be made public in due course.

Saturday, 4 December 2021

COVID-19 Affected My Fight Against Corruption, Insecurity – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected his administration’s anti-corruption crusade and insecurity in Nigeria.

The president made this known disclosed this at the United Arab Emirates, during Nigeria Day at the EXPO DUBAI 2020 on Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.

“The concerted efforts by world leaders, working together, enabled us to limit the catastrophic consequences of this pandemic.

“Nigeria, like other countries in the world, was impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding national efforts in addressing insecurity, fighting corruption and diversifying the nation’s economy.

“Nonetheless, the present administration in Nigeria has registered significant progress within a short period of time and is still making headways in key sectors of the economy,” the statement said.

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Zamfara lawmaker shot dead by suspected bandits


A member of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Mohammad Ahmad Walin Jengeru, has been shot dead by suspected bandits

It was gathered that the lawmaker was killed by the gunmen along Sheme- Funtua Road in Katsina State on Wednesday morning, June 30. 

The Clerk of the Zamfara House House of Assembly, Saidu Anka, who confirmed the incident said Ahmed was traveling to his town when he was attacked by the bandits.

His funeral prayers would be held at Sheikh Ahmed Umar Kanoma Mosque by 11 o’clock on Wednesday.

Until his death, the deceased was the chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. 

Ahmed was killed hours after key politicians in the state defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the rulling All Progressives Congress (APC)

The UAE government has suspended Direct Employment Visa for Nigerians, due to the increase in violent crimes involving Nigerians in the Middle-East country.

The UAE government has suspended Direct Employment Visa for Nigerians, due to the increase in violent crimes involving Nigerians in the Middle-East country.

According to a source in Abu Dhabi, 
“We all are shouting that our country is bad, and that our government is not rising to our needs, which is true, but our reputation abroad is also fast declining due to our character.

“Two weeks ago, some Nigerians killed one another for selfish reasons at Sharjah, and another one just happened here in Abu Dhabi, when some guys went to an Arab man’s house, killed him, his wife and took away a huge amount of money from them.


“The UAE government is now tracking every Nigerian in Abu Dhabi and they have also banned every Direct Employment Visa from Nigeria until further notice,” the source said.

“For like one week, this city (Abu Dhabi) has been hot. They (the police) are just arresting anyone on sight now. There was a cult incident where Nigerian cult members hacked one another in an area in Abu Dhabi here. It is not easy. As of yesterday (Monday), they have put restrictions on visas for Nigerians. For now, no work permit for Nigerians in UAE generally. The crisis started from Sharjah and last week in Abu Dhabi,” another Nigerian man confirmed. 

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

, ,

Breaking: Federal Government re-arrests IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Appears before Federal High Court in Abuja today (photos)

The attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami has disclosed the arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney disclosed this to newsmen today June 29. 

He stated that Kanu was arrested in the UK and extradited to Abuja. 


Malami said Kanu's arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol. 

He further disclosed that Kanu would be taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

Kanu was reported to have flouted his bail conditions granted to him on April 2017. 

Justice Binta Nyako who granted his bail on grounds of his ill health later revoked it on March 28, 2019 and issued a Bench warrant for his arrest in any part of the country. 


Sunday, 30 May 2021

God has anointed Tinubu as next president of Nigeria" - Bishop Ipinmoroti

General Overseer and Primate of Christ Revelation Church of God , Bishop Ayodeji Ipinmoroti has said God revealed to him that Tinubu would become the next President of the country. 

According to the Nation, Bishop Ipinmoroti made the revelation to commemorate the children's day celebration in Lagos state. 

He said God did not design Nigeria to disintegrate and that his recent encounter with God that showed him former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu will emerge next President.

Ipinmoroti stated that certain mysteries need to be tackled for Tinubu Presidency to materialise.

He claimed that many of Tinubu's political associates would betray him before the elections but that won't stop him from becoming president. 

Bishop Ipinmoroti said God showed him “Nigeria system will work again but we need to repent from our sinful ways. It requires the prayer of the faithful to put things right.”

He added: “I do not see Nigeria breaking apart. Bola Tinubu is a right peg in the right hole in the 2023 presidential election.

“He is a man of integrity coupled with his administrative experience and political wherewithal to weather the political storm of the nation-State.

“Don’t be deceived, Tinubu is the only candidate at this point of political, social and psychological turmoil that can fix the near broken down of the structure called Nigeria.

“I am a clergyman and a minister of the gospel. God has sent me to Tinubu. When I see him physically, I will explain some mysteries to him.

“I see him being betrayed by his political associates yet he emerged President in 2023.

“If Tinubu is interested in the presidential race, let him the contest. I can assure you he will win the election as God had shown me.

“I believe Tinubu will give to Nigeria as God had told me, the genuine merit to rescue the sinking boat of the nation from capsizing.

“The economy will be stable. Wages and salary crisis will soon end. Ethnic problems, inflations and industrial actions will soon come to an end.

“Every problem has an expiry date. I can see the Nigerian workers jubilating. This will materialise if we do the right job by voting for God’s chosen candidate for the 2023 election. That God chosen candidate is Tinubu.

“I see a major shakeup in the Presidency but God did not direct me to Buhari. If Tinubu is interested, let him the contest. I see him being crowned. But I need to tell it to his face on how to go about it as God had directed me to him.”

Friday, 28 May 2021

Southern and Northern Kaduna groups agree to split state into two


Kaduna state will now be splitted into two following an agreement reached by representatives of southern and northern Kaduna. 

The agreement was reached at a constitution review hearing at the state house in Kaduna. The hearing was attended by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Uba Sani, senator representing Kaduna central; Kabiru Gaya, senator representing Kano south, and other stakeholders.

Jonathan Askake, President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) who presented the group's demand for creation of Gurara state from Kaduna, also asked that the constitution be amended to allow for the creation of additional two geo-political zones. He also said that the planned Gurara state will be under a new zone called middle-belt west.

Asake said; 

“I’m here to further expound on the memo submitted before this August committee before, since August 7, 2020. 

“One of the issues that we presented there is the issue of state creation. For over 30 years, the people of southern Kaduna have always presented a case for a state creation.

“And it has become difficult even with the report of the 2014 national confab, where it was recommended that 18 states should be created including Gurara state for the people of southern Kaduna.

“Section 8 of the constitution has become very cumbersome so we hereby suggest that this committee amends the section of the constitution to make it possible for the state of Gurara to be created.

“Secondly, we also suggest a restructuring of the present geo-political structure. We have six geo-political arrangements and southern Kaduna is in the north-west zone.

“We want eight geo-political arrangements, where Gurara state, if created, will be part of the middle-belt west geo-political zone.”

Abdulkadir Ahmed, President of Kaduna elders initiative who spoke on behalf of the Northern Kaduna People, defended the memo signed by senators, federal and state lawmakers from Kaduna north. 

Ahmed who called for the creation of “new Kaduna state” which will include ”Kaduna north and central senatorial zones”, added that those asking for Gurara state should have it.

He said; 

“We are canvassing for the creation of New Kaduna state from the present Kaduna state and we want the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amended to make this possible. 

“Kaduna south has been complaining of marginalisation ever since, even though chiefdoms have been given to them and they occupy 60% of the workforce of Kaduna state.

“Let the state be split and if they are asking for Gurara state, let them have it

“On our part, we are asking for the creation of new Kaduna state, which will include Kaduna north and Kaduna central senatorial zones.

“But there should be a referendum for each section of the state to decide on where it wants to belong.”


 


Tuesday, 9 March 2021

Killing Of Farmers: Ekiti State To Create Ranching For Herdsmen


The Ekiti State government has revealed that it would key into the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government by creating enclosed ranching in the state.

This development was coming barely three days after suspected herdsmen killed two farmers in Isaba-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement, on Monday, by the Information Commissioner, Akin Omole, the government noted it would not allow the killing of farmers and residents of the state by criminal herders who are hibernating in the farms to perpetrate evils against citizens in the state.

According to him, the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has given the police and the Amotekun corps within 24 hours to comb forests in the Local Government Area and secure it from further attacks

Omole said: “it is clear that the Ikole/Oye axis of the state is vulnerable to incursions of criminally-minded elements who want to take advantage of the forest topography to visit unmitigated terror on farming communities in the area. We will not allow this to happen.

“We reiterate that in consonance with the recent Akure peace meeting and joint communiqué issued between Southwest Governors and the Miyetti Allah, open/night grazing and underage herding remain banned in Ekiti State. The state is also making alternative arrangements for enclosed grazing/ranching under the National Livestock Transformation Plan in the state.

“The Government of Ekiti State places great value on the safety of lives and property of its residents. While we will continue to promote the peaceful coexistence of all law-abiding Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious background, the government will not condone acts of mindless violence that creates fear amongst our people or deter them from going about their lawful duties in safety on their farms or in their communities.”

The Commissioner explained that security agents in the state would enforce the latest directive of President Muhammadu Buhari on those going about with dangerous weapons.

“Similarly, in line with Mr President’s recent directive, anyone armed with automatic weapons found in Ekiti forests will be considered a dangerous criminal and treated accordingly by security operatives,” he said.

The government advised residents of Isaba-Ekiti to support the security agents with useful information that would help in arresting the criminal elements, adding that, “they should continue to go about their lawful businesses; we remain committed to protecting lives and property.”

Monday, 8 March 2021

Police arrest OPC members who attempted to arrest a Fulani man they accused of being the mastermind of criminal activities


Three members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) have been arrested by the Oyo state police command, after they reportedly invaded Kajola community in Ibarapa axis of the State to arrest one Iskilu Wakili, a Fulani man they accused of being the sponsor and mastermind of various criminal attacks against the people/farmers of Yoruba origin in the community.

It was gathered that a woman was burnt to death after Wakili's house was set on fire during the invasion. 

The Commissioner of Police has directed that Wakili (due to his frail appearance and state of health) be moved to the Hospital, while others are being interrogated. Others being interrogated are the OPC members, involved in arson and murder.

The statement read; 

The Oyo State Police Command would like to inform the general public that at about 0900 hrs of date (7th March 2021), information was received that a group of persons, (later found out to be members of the Odua Peoples Congress- OPC), had invaded Kajola community in Ibarapa axis of the State. The invasion was reportedly aimed at arresting one Wakili, a Fulani by tribe, who is alleged to be the sponsor and mastermind of various criminal attacks against the people/farmers of Yoruba origin in the community.

2. The State Commissioner of Police has quickly moved into action and preliminary findings revealed that some OPC members went to Kajola community in Ibarapa North Local government Area of Oyo State. While there, the house of the Wakili in question was set ablaze, while a female (the identity of who is yet to be ascertained) was burnt in the fire and Wakili (about 75 years old and blind) with two (2) other persons were picked up. The three (3) of them are presently in the custody of the Police. The Commissioner of Police has directed that Wakili (due to his frail appearance and state of health), be moved to the Hospital, while others are being interrogated. Others being interrogated are the OPC members, involved in arson and murder.

3. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that any person or group of persons from any region or tribe that has been found culpable to have committed any criminal act(s) in the State would not be spared, but would be arrested and dealt with according to extant laws.

4. Therefore, it is worthy of note that the good people of Oyo State and the general public should be rest assured that the officers and men in the Command would not derelict in its duty to bring to book criminal elements arrested for any infringement on the laws of the land, as adequate security measures has been emplaced against anything untoward while soliciting credible information from members of the public to enable the Police and other Security Agencies clampdown on crime and criminality in the State. In conclusion, anybody that has any case against Iskilu Wakili should report it to the State Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) Iyaganku Ibadan for discreet Investigation.

"Osinbajo is a reliable and dedicated deputy" - Buhari celebrates V. President on his 64th birthday


President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a reliable and dedicated deputy.

The president showered the praises on Mr Osinbajo to mark his 64th birthday.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying Mr Osinbajo was not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job.

The vice president was born on March 8, 1957.

Mr Buhari, who picked Mr Osinbajo as his runing mate in 2014, said he still does not regret his action as the vice president had proven himself to be a patient politician who had not failed in discharging his duties.

“I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.

“The Vice President is a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations.

“Vice President Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties,” the President was quoted to have said.

He wished him many more prosperous years and Almighty God’s continued guidance.

Premium Times

Friday, 5 March 2021

''I feel good''- Nigerian doctor who was the first to receive COVID19 vaccine shares his experience

Dr. Cyprian Ngong of the National Hospital, Abuja, was the first Nigerian to receive a jab of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID19 vaccine in Nigeria.

He took the jab at the launch of the COVID19 vaccination ceremony which held at the Trauma center, National Hospital Abuja today March 5.

The vaccine was administered to Dr Ngong by the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, at the National Hospital in the nation’s capital.

Speaking to newsmen after taking the jab, Dr Ngong said

“You can see, I just took the vaccine now and I feel good. I have dreamt of taking the vaccine and I have taken the vaccine today. We’ve been at the forefront of the COVID-19 fight here in National Hospital at the Isolation Centre under the able leadership of the National Hospital,” said the medical doctor.

They’ve provided everything we need for this fight. We’ve lost some, we’ve got some and we are happy we are getting the vaccines now in Nigeria.

I think that is about the best news we’ve heard since. I only wished my dad had had this vaccine, maybe months ago or so. We lost him but we thank God, and the fight is still on and we will win.”

You have few weeks to secure the country - President Buhari tells service chiefs

President Buhari has given a marching order to the new service chiefs who he decorated today March 5. 

Speaking at the presidential villa, Abuja, the Nigerian leader told the service chiefs that they have few weeks to secure the country.

Buhari also asked them to identify competent officers irrespective of seniority and paper qualification and deploy them to make sure that the country is secured. 

He said; 

“During our four-hour security meeting, on Tuesday, I had taken the responsibility as Commander-in-Chief for you to go out into the field and secure the country. 

“You have got a few weeks to do that because by the rainy season, we expect people to develop confidence and go back to the land. 

“So that we don’t get into trouble by being away from the field and therefore unable to produce enough food for the nation.

“I have accepted responsibility for your actions in the field; it’s up to you to identify your competent officers irrespective of seniority and paper qualification and deploy them to make sure that we secure this country.

“We all look forward to you to perform and I as the Commander-in-Chief, I am backing you hundred percent, and I expect you to effectively deploy your officers and men to secure the country.”


I tested positive for COVID-19 - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he tested positive for Coronavirus. 

Obasanjo revealed this on Friday March 5, while speaking at a colloquium held in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state to celebrate his 84th birthday. 

The former Nigerian leader said after he tested positive for Coronavirus, he tested negative after another test was conducted on him three days later. 

Obasanjo said; 

“It will surprise you that I tested positive for COVID-19. I called them to come and test me. They came on a Saturday, I didn’t get the result till Wednesday and it came out positive but I didn’t see any symptoms. 

“When they came three days after, they tested me and said I am negative, that is three days after I tested positive.

“My daughter, Iyabo, is an epidemiologist and I called her to explain. She said maybe they tested me at the later stage of being positive.

“I told her I had no symptoms and she said it could be a faulty result. But I tested positive. Since then I have been tested three times and the test came back negative. So, if you want to come near me, you can come near me.

“It is nothing to worry about. When I tested positive, my household ran from me. I told them to stay in their place while I stayed in mine.”

If Nigeria forgave coup plotters and those that instigated civil war, I see no reason why we can not accept bandits' repentance - Sheikh Gumi


Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has again renewed his calls for bandits to be granted amnesty. 

According to Sheikh Gumi, if coup plotters and those that instigated the civil war could be forgiven, he sees no reason why bandits can't also be forgiven. 

He said; 

“I see no reason why we can not accept their (bandits) repentance and give them amnesty. You ask why do we give them amnesty but they told us specifically that they are ready to drop their arms and they don’t want to be pursued with legal actions after they repented.

“If the country could pardon coup plotters who committed treasonable offences in the era of military administration, the bandits can as well enjoy similar forgiveness even better under democratic rule.

“These people in the bush who have taken arms, they are criminals. I wonder who is not a criminal. Since Nigeria forgave coup plotters, forgave those that killed. Even those that instigated civil war; civil war that millions of people died, I see no reason why we can not accept their repentance.

“Since that is the bottle-neck and it is only the federal government that can give them that leverage. And strangely we found out that they are victims too. They were victims of profiling. So many of them were arrested and punished just for looking like herdsmen."

On the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) calling for his arrest over a viral video in which he was heard accusing Christian soldiers who instigating crisis in the north, Sheikh Gumi stated that he was misunderstood and the actual message was manipulated.

He added; 

“Nigerians should embrace each other and live in peace. We should not try to do anything that will cause havoc. I will also call on the press to desist from sensational reporting because this nation is already in flames.

“You should be very careful in what you report. What you see. Continue reporting responsibly and you should not stir the Christian brethren who are known to be peaceful and law-abiding. We have been together for long and nobody can separate us, we should learn to live together in peace.”

Five persons arrested by the Nigeria Police Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos Command, for issuing fake COVID-19 certificate.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Achibong Idonrenyin, Moses Samuel, Popoola Adewala, Wale Aderele and Abdulmalik Ibrahim, and it was also learnt that two others identified as Shehu Imam and Adeola Dalington who work with Sky Blue Services limited, a cleaning service at the airport are at large. 

Mr. Bature Umar, the Commissioner, Airport Command told newsmen that the incident occurred on February 19, 2021 at the airport where a British Airways passenger, Michael Osagbogun was defrauded N50,000 for fake COVID-19 test.

The suspects had approached Osagbogun promising to produce a Covid-19 test positive certificate for him. Two of the suspects, Popoola Adewale and Adeola Dalington, who knew the airport environment well due to the nature of their jobs at the airport, allegedly took the victim to one of the toilet facilities at the airport where N50,000 was obtained from him under the pretext of producing a valid Covid-19 negative certificate for the victim.

Osagbogun was reportedly taken to DAT Cybercafe at No. 4, Oriyomi Street, Ikeja where a fake Covid-19 negative certificate was eventually procured for him. He was stopped from flying to London, United Kingdom after it was discovered that he has a fake COVID-19 certificate. 

The alarm he raised led to the arrest of four suspects and a guarantor to one of the two suspects at large.

Though the suspects claimed it was their first time of engaging in the criminal activity, Umar said investigation revealed the suspects had been in the crime for several months. The suspects would be paraded in the court of competent jurisdiction on Friday March 5. 

Governors to take Coronavirus vaccine on March 10

Governors of the 36 states in the country are expected to publicly take the Coronavirus vaccine on March 10. 

The agreement was reached at an emergency meeting which was attended by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Osagie Ehanire, health minister; and Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and convened to discuss the distribution of the vaccine. 

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi conveyed the decision in a statement released on Thursday March 4. 

Thursday, 4 March 2021

Zulum: Deradicalised Terrorists Rejoin Boko Haram After Spying On communities


The Governor of Borno State , Babagana Zulum , has said the concept of deradicalisation of Boko Haram terrorists otherwise known as Safe Corridor is not working as expected.

Zulum said this while delivering his speech at the North -East Governors ’ Forum meeting which held today at the Banquet Hall, Government House , Bauchi State .
Present at the meeting are Governors of Borno , Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi , while Taraba and Yobe states were represented by their deputies .

According to Zulum , those who have passed through the deradicalisation initiative often go back to rejoin the terror group after they have spied on their host communities who often resent their presence.

He said , “ Your Excellencies, another aspect of the war against the insurgency that needs to be urgently reviewed or modified , is the issue of deradicalisation of Boko Haram terrorists , who have been captured or have willingly surrendered themselves to the authorities.

“ It has been confirmed that the concept of de - radicalization or Safe Corridor is not working as expected . Quite often, those who have passed through the Safe Corridor Initiative, or have been de -radicalized , usually go back and rejoin the terror group after carefully studying the various security arrangements in their host communities , during the reintegration process.

In addition , the host communities where the reintegration process is going on usually resent the presence of Boko Haram terrorists , even if they have been de -radicalized , because of the despicable and atrocious activities they have committed in the past .

“ So the idea of deradicalisation , as currently being implemented, needs to be reviewed because the main goals and the underlying objectives behind the initiative are not being achieved.

“ The best option is to immediately prosecute the terrorists , in accordance with the Terrorism Act.. However, those people who , ab initio , were forcefully recruited but have been rescued or have escaped from the group , should be the ones to be subjected to the deradicalisation process .”

The Governor lamented the delay witnessed in the prosecution of terrorists , advising that state Attorney -Generals should be allowed to have powers in the process.

He said, “ On the prosecution of terrorists , we must make efforts to avoid the current encumbrances and intricacies associated with the process , which usually takes considerable time , by urging the appropriate federal authorities to devolve the powers of the Minister of Justice and Attorney -General of the Federation to State Attorneys- General in order to facilitate the prosecution process.

“ At the moment , only the Attorney -General of the Federation is statutorily empowered to prosecute terrorists , which , quite often , results in avoidable delays . We once again call on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to delegate his prosecutorial fiat to the States Attorneys General to prosecute such cases in their respective states as justice delayed is justice denied. ”

Punchng.com

101 soldiers abscond after Boko Haram's attack in Marte and Dikwa

12 officers and 89 soldiers have been declared missing by the Nigerian army in the wake of last week’s Boko Haram attacks on Marte and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. 

A signal dated March 1, 2021 from Operation Lafiya Dole Headquarters in Maiduguri, revealed that the soldiers were declared as deserters.

It was alleged that three majors, three captains, six lieutenants, three sergeants and 89 soldiers fled in the aftermath of the attacks on Marte and Dikwa. 

Daily Trust reported that the signal, signed by Col. A.O. Odubiyi, on behalf of the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, partly read; 

“I am directed to connect Reference A on above subject and to respectfully forward details of additional officers and soldiers who absconded from the defensive location during the BHT attack on New Marte and Dikwa.

“You are requested to declare the named officers and soldiers’ deserters WEF 19 Feb 21. You are also requested to cause HQ NAFC to freeze their accounts and apprehend/bring them under military escort to this Headquarters if seen within your AOR.”

Premium Times reported that the bank accounts of the affected personnel have been frozen. The order to arrest and freezing of bank accounts of the fleeing soldiers reportedly came from authorities of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno.

Various formations of the army have been notified to immediately apprehend and deliver any of the soldiers found in their areas of responsibilities. See the names of the soldiers below; 

GY Mohammed
EP Nwangwu
US Muhammad
EG Utok
A Ibrahim
US Ibrahim
ME Ochei
EN Essien
FC Maduako
KO Adejare
S Mammada
YJ Ishaya
Muazu Yusuf
Musa Usman
Idris Garba
Chigbo John
Aminu Mohammed
Godfrey Samuel
Christopher Silas
Okoro Emeka
Meze Hillary
Zakka Peter
Onyebuchi Kennedy
Okunola Oluwasegun
Suoyefe Abiola
Mwankat Shalmak
Ekekien Peter
Daniel Emmanuel
John Monday
Yakubu Amos
Aminu Saidu
Pius Okoro
Kenebra Shedrach
Dominic Eworo
Ojo Oluwasegun
Nura Lawal
Yakubu Suleiman
Johnson Chorus
Isah Shaibu
Nasiru Hamisu
Jibrin Sa’adu
John Ukpenkune
Umar Sani
Mustapha Suleiman
Isiaq Adam
Muhammed Ahmed
John Richard
Kabiru Hashimu
Awuna Monday
Isah John
Zamani Fidelis
Abubakar Adam
Philip Chia
Ogundipe GBenga
Samson Unite
Francis Audu
Abubakar Musa
Ibrahim Adamu
Sadiq Abubakar
Lawal Abdullahi
Ajala David
Suleiman Jamilu
Okoro Ama
Sunday Sule
Aimato Abdulsalam
Abubakar Musa
Suleiman Kabiru
Onu Kingsley
Buba Usman
James John
Hussaini Adamu
Shamsudeen Ismail
Saidu Sani
Abdullahi Musa
Abubakar Yahaya
Edosa Aigboje
Ibrahim Umar
Chukwujekwu Okenwa
Abdullahi Usman
Ukali Emmanuel
Joseph Benard
Ewubare Gold
Abimiku Sunday
Ibrahim Mansur
Joseph Ayuba
Ayanyemi Tayo
Remember Jeremiah
Jimoh Adesina
Ukwokori Precious
Ayawei Ayibatemi
Kalu Sunday
Abdulkadir Ahmed
Osakwe Festus N
Badamashi Omokafe
Levi Pwagureno
Paul Pilate Saddam
Bello Musa
Moses Ayo
Ademu Alih
Ogobi Fredrick
Benedict Uduebor

The publication reported that soldiers attached to 15 Task Force Battalion were ambushed and dislodged after hours of intense fighting. 

Those familiar with the matter, said the troops were overwhelmed and could not withstand the superior firepower of the terrorists. The unit then tactically retreated and relocated to Dikwa, which was attacked again.

I am ready to resign if that will bring peace to Zamfara – Gov Matawalle

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has said that he is ready to resign as governor if that will bring peace to the state.

The state has been adversely affected by bandit activities.

In an interview with Channels TV on Wednesday, March 3, Governor Matawalle responded when asked if he is intimidated by the Federal Government’s declaration of a ‘No-Fly Zone’ in Zamfara.

Responding, he said

 “I am ready to accept any solution that will bring security to my state.

I am not intimidated. If I know that my resigning as a governor will make the people sleep with their two eyes closed, I can resign. I am ready to do what will bring security. I am not power-hungry. I have been having  sleepless nights to protect the people of Zamfara State.”