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FCT Foils Bank Robbery: Policeman Dies, Two Suspects Killed, Three Others Arrested

By
Ayodele Oni
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Benneth Igweh

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command on Friday announced that its officers and men, in a joint operation with the military foiled a bank robbery incident.

It stated that the police team was led by the FCT commissioner of police, Benneth Igweh, during which some suspects were shot dead while others sustained injuries, with arrests made.

A statement by Josephine Adeh,  Police Public Relations Officer of the command explained that “In swift response to an armed robbery incident at first bank PLC in Abaji on June 13, 2024, at about 5:00 PM, the FCT police, led by the commissioner of police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, himself, in a combined operation with the military, mobilized to scene and repelled the attack.

“The attack was simultaneously carried out on both Abaji Divisional Police headquarters and first bank PLC in Abaji  by a group of fifteen armed men who attacked with dynamites in attempt to rob the bank.

“The security forces engaged the armed robbers in an intense gun duel, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds.

“The security forces succeeded in apprehending three suspects, namely, Usman (surname yet unknown), who was reported to be the gang leader, Nuhu Musa, 41 ‘m’ of Kogi State; and Muhammed Aminu, 25 ‘m’ of Abaji, with grave degrees of bullet injuries, while a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralized by the security forces.

“One police operative and the gang leader hit by bullet during the gun duel, were rushed to the hospital, and the doctor on duty confirmed them dead, while others are still receiving treatment.

“While search operation is ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects with bullet injuries, the commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, lauds the effectiveness of the combined operation and reaffirms the command’s unflinching commitment to ensuring that FCT remains inhabitable for criminals, noting that the safety of the residents of FCT is non-negotiable.”

Ondo Governorship Poll: INEC Releases Names Of 17 Candidates, Date For Commencement Of Campaigns

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday published names of governorship candidates and their deputies for November poll.

The commission explained in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, that one of the fielded candidates is a disable person.

Olumekun’s statement clarified that “Overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with disability (a paraplegic).

“The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.”

It stated  that “The Commission is pleased to announce the publication of the final list of candidates for the Ondo State Governorship Election.

“Following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the Governorship candidates and their running mates in the State and Local Government offices.

“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two  political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of 10th June 2024.

“The parties are the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while five  parties replaced their running mates only.

“They are the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

“The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.

“The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

On time frame for commencement of campaigns by candidates and political parties, it said “With the publication of the final list of candidates, the next activity is electionering campaign.

“As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaign by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

“Therefore, Political Parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday 19th June 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 14th November 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission once again reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022.”

The Ondo State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.

Reps Warn Of “Unforseen Mishap” To Tinubu, Shetima If New Aircrafts Not Purchased

By
James Orji
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Bola Tinubu on board Presidential Jet
The House of Representatives has requested that new aircrafts be purchased for the Presidential Fleet.
The House Committee on National Security and Intelligence made the request on Thursday, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shetima required two new aircrafts.
The lawmakers resolution comes on the heels of recent disruption experienced by Tinubu and Shetima while trying to attend some functions outside the country.
In March, President Tinubu was forced to travel to Saudi Arabia on a charter flight for the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .
Sources who spoke on the issue then said the president’s two main private jets had developed  faults, prompting Tinubu to travel on a chartered flight from the Netherlands, to Saudi Arabia for the WEF.
Also, on May 16 Vice President Shetima could not represent President Tinubu at an event in the United States of America, USA due to faults developed by the aircraft he was billed to travel on.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, later represented President Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima who was originally scheduled to represent the President was unable to make the trip following a technical fault with his aircraft, forcing him to make a detour on the advice of the Presidential Air Fleet,” the Presidency revealed in a statement signed by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.

Following these disruptions, the House of Representatives on May 17, said something must be done to prevent such situations from recurring.
They warned that Tinubu and Shetima’s lives were at risk, adding that the situation with the aircrafts has brought disrepute to Nigeria.
Yesterday, the Committee issued a report following a hearing conducted by its technical subcommittee regarding the condition and safety of aircraft in the PAF.
The legislators suggested that the expenses associated with up-keeping the 19-year-old aircrafts in the PAF have become too much to bear for the country.
They recommended for new aircrafts to be purchased into the fleet to prevent “unforseen mishap” to Tinubu and Shetima.
Part of the  report , “The Committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended.”

Huge Set Back For Northern Bandits, Terrorists, As Troops Kill Notorious And Deadly Kingpin, 36 Others In Kaduna

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechil

The ongoing fight against banditry and other criminal activities in some parts of Northern Region received  a boost on Thursday, June 13, 2024, following the announcement of the killing of Kaduna dreaded banditry kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu a.k.a Buharin Yadi, alongside 35 others by the operatives of the Operation WhirlPunch of the Nigerian Army.

His death, which was announced by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has thrown the capital of the Northern region into wide jubilation and expression of relief

This is even as the State, Governor Uba Sani has lauded the efforts and gallantry of officers and men of the Operation Whirl Punch in taming the terror lord and his followers.

A statement issued by Aruwan said that the banditry kingpin who has been terrorizing many parts of Kaduna in the last ten years was neutralized together with some of his gang members during a fierce gun duel with troops of the operation whirl Punch, led by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the first Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Mayirenso Saraso, a Major  General, around Idasu Forest, on the boundary between Giwa and Sabuwa Local Councils of Kaduna State.

The troops’ confrontation with the deadly terrorist kingpin and his gang followed credible intelligence on their movements from Samunaka, Saulawa axis of Katsina state.

“On advancing to Samunaka ,the troops found the settlement destroyed ,and cattle killed,  evidence of recent criminal activity of the bandits.

“A ferocious battle quickly  followed as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objectives .

“Initial assessment indicates that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement. It was eventually verified that one of those killed was Kachala Buharin Yadi.

“Buharin Yadi and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA ,other locations in nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina state and indeed some parts of Niger and Zamfara states .

“He was also involved in large scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking .He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens of Kaduna and other neighbouring states” part of the statement reads .

Governor Sani commended the GOC for his exemplary leadership and the bravery of the troops, and promised them and other security agencies of continued Government support in their commitments towards eliminating  terrorists and other related criminal activities in the state, and the Northern region as a whole.

Suspension Of Health Commissioner In Abia: PDP Calls For Probe Of Other MDAs

By
Ayodele Oni
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Ayodele Oni

To the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is time to play the role of opposition to the present administration in the State which it accused of lacking in transparency and accountability.

PDP noted that the Labour Party (LP), under Governor Alex Otti, has not been living up to the expectations of Abians.

At a media chat on Thursday,  the state chairman, Alwell Asiforo Okere pointed out the PDP’s commitment to championing the interests of citizens and advocating for a government that prioritizes their well-being.

“We will not take their sacrifices for granted, and must continue to hold our leaders to account to ensure that their struggles are not in vain.”

Represented by Elder Abraham Amah, the acting Publicity Secretary and Vice Chairman of Abia North, Okere expressed gratitude to Abians who, through their courage, steadfastness, vigour, energy, and sacrifices, have secured the liberty enjoyed by citizens and Nigerians today.

The PDP, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance in the state, said that members will not sit by idly, and watch the foundations of the democracy the party built in Abia to erode.

“As a party, we are dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business.

“We reiterate our pledge to run a shadow government that will diligently scrutinize the actions of the current administration, holding them accountable for their promises and commitments to the people at all times. Sadly, the Otti-led administration has chosen to disregard calls for transparency and accountability.

“Our ceaseless call for transparency, especially in following due process and the letters of the Abia Public Procurement Act was prescient, judging from the historical antecedents of some major actors, and the recent allegations of massive fraudulent activities in the Ministry of Health, leading to the suspension of the Commissioner has vindicated us.

“We believe that scrutiny in other MDAs would reveal deeper rot in the system, and Abia Must not go in this direction.

“Abia PDP remains vigilant and steadfast in our mission to serve the good people of Abia State with integrity and honesty.

“We stand ready to champion the interests of the citizens and advocate for a government that prioritizes the well-being of all at all times.

“We call on the good people of Abia State to continue to hold the government to account and protect that which is very dear to our survival as a people; the democracy we fought for.

“As we continue with our forward march to the Promised Land, we urge the members of the PDP, the elders, and the good people of Abia State never to sleep or slumber and have faith in the ability of the PDP to always redirect the present government any time it fails to uphold the principles of democracy anchored on liberty, equity, justice, and fairness.”

Transmission Company Of Nigeria Laments Incessant Equipment Vandalization

By
Ayodele Oni
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TCN - Transmission Line - Power

By Ayodele Oni

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is worried about continued vandalization of its equipment especially in the northern part of Nigeria.

TCN stated that  two of its towers, T193 and T194, on the Damaturu –Maiduguri 330 Kilo Volt (KV Single Circuit) transmission line have again been destroyed by vandals.

TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who announced this in a statement in Abuja, explained that the incident happened about 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, when the 150 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) power transformer at Molai Substation tripped.

She said the tripping happened at the same time as the 330kV transmission line supplying bulk power to Maiduguri from Damaturu Transmission Substation.

“After the line tripping, efforts were made by TCN engineers to close the Mulai – Damaturu line to enable bulk transmission of electricity, which failed repeatedly.

”Early today, TCN lines engineers, along with security operatives, patrolled the line and discovered that towers 193 and 194 along the 330kV transmission line were brought down using an explosive device, which fragments were scattered at the site of the incident. The area affected by this incident is Maiduguri and its environs.”

Mrs Mbah recalled that on 28 December 2023, towers T193, T194 and T195, were destroyed using similar improvised explosives.

She stated that two out of the towers in question, which were rebuilt after that incident, were affected by Tuesday’s vandalism attack.

According to her, TCN is currently assessing the situation to decide the best approach to ensuring temporary restoration of the power supply while a contractor is mobilized to rebuild the two transmission towers.

”We will continue to do everything possible with the assistance of security operatives to protect our transmission towers.

”We are also calling upon the government and well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight against the destruction of our collective national assets.”

Killing Of Soldiers In Abia “We Have Arrested 100 Persons” – Military

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Edward Buba - DMO

By Suleiman Anyalewchi

No fewer than 100 suspects have been arrested in connection with the gruesome killing of five soldiers at a military check point at Obikabia junction near Aba, Abia state, on May 30, 2024, the Nigeria Army  has said .

The Source reports that following the murder of the soldiers while on peace keeping mission, the military authorities had vowed to come down heavily on the suspected masterminds .

Director, Defence Information, Edward Buba, a Major General. at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday June 13 2024 ,however, said those  found not to be involved in the unfortunate incident have been released..

But the number of those still being held and who, according to him, are assisting the military in its investigations into the despicable incident, were not disclosed .

“Several arrests were made from the raids with those found to be culpable still in detention . Surely, there is intelligence value to the raids, and arrests were made .

“Those in detention are assisting troops to locate other camps ,sleeper-cells and high profile individuals involved in the activities of the terrorists group”

Only last Sunday June 9 ,the military authorities announced on their official site the raiding  of suspected hideout and strong hold of IPOB/ESN at Igboro Forest in Arochukwu local council of Abia state, claiming to have killed about six of their members as well as destroying the camp.

Military authorities have continued to point accusing fingers at the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, and its affiliate the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

General Buba, also,  informed that in May this year, alone, nine soldiers were killed by non State actors across the country.

NDLEA To Abia Hard Drug Dealers: “A Pharaoh That Does Not Know Joseph Is In Charge

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Amos Adelanwa - NDLEA Abia Command

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hoteliers and other operators of relaxation spots who lend their premises as rendezvous to dealers and consumers of illicit drugs are in for a hard time.

Henceforth, there will be no more hiding places in Abia State for traffickers in hard substances ,as it is not going to be business as usual .

These were the marching orders issued Wednesday June 12 ,2024, by the Abia state Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Amos Adelanwa  at an interactive session with the Media in Aba the commercial hub of the state.

Alluding to the scriptural phrase,” a Pharaoh  who does not know Joseph is in charge”,  the new NDLEA boss vowed  that there will be no sacred cow in the fight to  eliminate trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs and other hard  substances in the State.

Particularly, Adelanwa insisted that hoteliers and owners of other establishments who allow their business premises to be used as hawking and/or transit camps for hard substances will not be spared.

According to him, such identified hard drug camps will be clamped down upon with their operators treated same way as drug traffickers.

The Abia NDLEA Commandant noted that the agency has resolved to make the state an unfertile ground for traffickers and consumers of illicit drugs.

Adelanwa also solicited the support, understanding and cooperation of community leaders, and other major stakeholders in the fight against illicit drugs, adding that the agency will go the whole hog in ensuring that Abia State is ridden of the activities of illicit drugs traffickers and other related criminal tendencies.

He, however, identified some of the operational challenges facing the agency to include paucity of operational vehicles and inaccessibility to some remote parts of the state.

He enjoined Abia residents and stakeholders to volunteer their services, particularly through the offering of actionable intelligence, in the renewed quest to halt the activities of hard drug trafficking and consumption.

Adelanwa emphasised that the agency is not unmindful of the imperativeness of sensitization and enlightenment, hence its appeal to community leaders and others to join hands to halt hard drugs trafficking and consumption, because of their devastating impact on the youths .

According to him, this strategy of engagement with stakeholders offers a more pragmatic path towards a healthier ,drug-free future for all ,noting that volunteering credible information to the agency about persons and places where illicit drugs are sold or Consumed will be treated with all the confidentiality required.

Eid-el Kabir: Kano Police Command Bans Durbar

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mohammed Usaini Gumel - Kano State CP

By Ayodele Oni

Citing the present security situation in Kano state, occasioned by change in the Emirate Council, the Police Command has banned Durbar activities during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel,  the command explained that the ban became necessary to sustain peace in conjunction with all the relevant security stakeholders.

According to the Police boss, “In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed, restraining both from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.”

He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.

“In this trying period, the police will enforce the existing court order, prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirateship Tussle, and urge them to remain apart and respect the court order.”

The Commissioner said the Command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively work together to build a safer and more secure environment.

He urged the general public to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest police station.

Pro Wike Lawmakers Have Ceased To Be Members Of River Assembly – Attorney General

By
Ayodele Oni
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Martin Amaewhule

By Ayodele Oni

With conflicting report still on the status of the 27 members of the  Rivers State House of Assembly, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, has insisted that the loyalists of ex-governor Nyesom Wike have lost their seats as members of the State parliament.

Iboroma pointed out that the lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, had last year defected to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), and are no longer members of the PDP.

Iboroma,  in a statement, stressed that contrary to reports, the Certified True Copy of a Monday judgment by the Rivers State High Court, validated the position that Amaewhule and his colleagues were no longer PDP members and by virtue of that lost their seats as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The court did not say that Martin Amaewhule is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, nor did it make a declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 26 others are members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party.”

According to him, the court has been painted in a bad light and the public misled and misinformed, adding that whatever finding of fact that is not included in the court order is an Obiter Dictum, which has no binding force.

“Once again, I respectively urge the media to desist from giving any interpretation to any judgment without first reading the content of the judgment and seeking legal advice.”

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