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Katsina Gov Radda To Renovate Cemeteries With N680 Million Upgrades District Heads To Grade Level 16

August 30, 2025

Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Ayodele Oni

“District Heads upgraded to salary level 16”

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has extended the administration’s gestures to the dead as he approved ₦20 million for each of the State’s 34 Local Government Areas to renovate and upgrade cemeteries across their domains.

The initiative was announced by Governor Radda while addressing Royal Fathers from Katsina and Daura Emirates at the Government House.

The Governor described the project as both a social obligation and a spiritual duty, noting that the effort seeks to preserve the sanctity of cemeteries while also invoking divine blessings upon the State.

Radda, also, unveiled a comprehensive welfare package for Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders, stating that the reforms are backed by new legislation passed by the State House of Assembly.

Under the new arrangement, all District Heads will earn salaries equivalent to, at least, Grade Level 16. Additionally, 6,652 Ward Heads will receive monthly stipends, over 3,000 Imams and their Deputies in Friday Mosques will be placed on regular support allowances, and Mosque Attendants from both the Izala and Darika Sects in every Local Government Area will also be placed on payroll.

Governor Radda further reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving security across the State, disclosing that more than 1,500 youths have been trained and provided with uniforms, life jackets, and other operational tools to bolster security efforts in troubled areas.

He emphasized that safeguarding communities must be a shared responsibility, urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves while Government interventions continue.

During the meeting, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar, represented by the District Head of Baure, pledged the Emirate’s continued support for the Governor, particularly in the wake of his recent car accident.

Police Arrest 87 Year-Old Arms Supplier To Armed Robbers, 99 Others

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 100 suspects in the month of August linked with various crimes.

The suspects are linked with crimes ranging from kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, fraud/obtaining under false pretense, theft / stealing, receiving stolen property and vandalization.

Briefing Journalists in Akure on Friday, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, stated that the Ondo State Police Command has continued to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and professionalism in safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens.

Among those arrested is a suspected fraudster who orchestrated a ₦10 million scam in the Oloko area of Akure.

According to the Commissioner, “The suspect, with a deceptive scheme, lured his unsuspecting victim under the pretense of selling scrap materials.

“Believing the transaction to be genuine, the victim paid the sum of ₦10million, only to later discover that the deal was fraudulent and the so-called scrap materials non-existent.

“Following a detailed investigation, the Command’s operatives tracked down the suspect and secured his arrest. During interrogation, he confessed to committing the crime and further revealed that he acted in concert with an accomplice who is based in Lagos.

“In a swift response, the Command has already taken proactive steps to freeze the illicitly obtained funds, thereby preventing further dissipation of the victim’s hard-earned money.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the Lagos-based accomplice and bring all those connected with the crime to justice.”

Also being held is an 87 years old Chief Kogbona, an alleged arms supplier to a gang of robbers from whom ten live cartridges were recovered.

“Operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) cracked a chilling case of armed robbery and murder in Ondo town. A young motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat (25yrs), was brutally killed and his motorcycle snatched.

“Swift police action led to the arrest of three suspects—Adeife Adewumi ‘M’, Matthew Johnson ‘M’, and Diisu Sunday ‘M’—who all confessed to the crime. Recovered exhibits include two cut-to-size barrel guns, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge.”

Lawal also disclosed that officers of the Command have clamped down on vehicles without registration numbers and those using fake plate numbers.

“The Command recently launched a special operation targeting the illegal possession and use of vehicles and motorcycles in the commission of crimes.

“This proactive measure has yielded commendable results. So far, the following recoveries have been made:

Five cars whose chassis/VIN numbers had been tampered with; One vehicle bearing a fake/unauthorized NANS plate number; One stolen spy police number plate, previously used in conveying illicit drugs and One official government plate number, illegally used for transporting contraband.

Others are “Six unregistered vehicles; several other vehicles without valid registration or proper documentation.

This operation has dealt a heavy blow to criminal elements who rely on stolen or unauthorized vehicles to perpetrate crimes.”

How Police Inspector Shot Dead A Soldier In Bauchi

Ayodele Oni

August 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Police and Military hierarchy in Bauchi State have waded into the shooting to death of a Soldier by a Mobile Police Officer during a clash at a checkpoint in the State.

Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori-Aliyu, speaking through the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, told the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), that an inter-agency investigation has been launched into the incident.

According to Police account, the confrontation occurred on August 25 when a Soldier of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, was fatally shot after his unit pursued a truck that failed to stop at a checkpoint in Futuk village.

“Upon stopping the truck, Yusuf Ibrahim, an Inspector, and a Mobile Police Officer, exited his vehicle and opened fire on the Guard Commander, striking him in the abdomen,” Omolori-Aliyu said.

The Soldier, identified as Master Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, was rushed to Gombe Specialist Hospital but died from his injuries. Soldiers at the scene reportedly overpowered the Policeman and disarmed him.

Omolori-Aliyu explained that preliminary investigations showed the truck was linked to Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, which held valid mining licences in Gwana, Alkaleri Local Government Area, and had paid statutory fees to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

The Commissioner added that Mobile Police Officers were formally assigned to provide security for expatriates and operations of the mining firms.

“Inspector Ibrahim was among those assigned to this duty,” he said.

The Nigerian Army and Police Authorities have both pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.

2027: Activist Deji Adeyanji Says He Would Rather Vote Tinubu Than Peter Obi

Akinwale Kasali

August 29, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has declared his intention to cast his vote for President Bola Tinubu if the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chooses Peter Obi as its Presidential Candidate in 2027.

Adeyanju stated that he can never cast his vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, but in a situation whereby the ADC gives Obi the nod as their Presidential Flagbearer, then he has no choice than to vote for Tinubu.

“God forbid that I support APC. If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote for Tinubu,” Adeyanju said.

The activist made this disclosure on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

The face off between Obi and Adeyanju has been in the offing, but it escalated into a legal confrontation after the former Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in 2023, through his lawyers, threatened to sue the activist for alleged defamatory remarks on social media and in media interviews.

Adeyanju has however waved off the legal notice, saying he was ready to face Obi in court.

He further alleged that the former Anambra State Governor fostered a hostile political climate, citing the conduct of some “Obidient” supporters online.

He said, “We cannot have a man who leads a mob that terrorises people online and cannot tolerate criticism, who calls people all sorts of names. Anybody who cannot support their candidate is seen as an enemy of Nigeria or has been paid to do so. That is not democracy.”

The activist also questioned Obi’s democratic track record, contrasting it with his own history of activism.

“What sacrifices has he made for democracy? Many of us have put our lives on the line at great personal cost. We must sanitise our polity. We cannot have a country where people who terrorise others online dictate the tone of political discourse,” he argued.

Speaking on his past choices at the polls, Adeyanju said he had always supported credible candidates.

“In my opinion, I have never voted for a bad candidate. In 1999, I voted for Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2011, I voted for Goodluck Jonathan. In 2015, I voted for Jonathan again, against the so-called lovers of democracy who wanted Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

He said that he was battle ready for Obi, and would meet him in Court.

“How We Lost Over N30bn To NAFDAC’S Closure Of Our Market” – Abia Medicine Dealers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 29, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Association, Ecumi Plaza Aba, has described the over three months closure of their businesses by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, as a bitter and costly experience hard to forget.

The Source reports that NAFDAC had, early February, 2025, cracked down on some patent medicine dealers in the South East region, especially in Onitsha and Aba Markets.

During the operations which provoked widespread indignation and condemnations among the people, the Onitsha Medicine Market and the popular Ecumi Medicine Market, Aba, were shutdown between February and April 2025.

This was in addition to the regulatory agency carting away large quantity of drugs which it considered fake and substandard from the two markets.

Relieving their ordeal in an interview with this medium on Friday, August, 28, 2025, the President of the Association, Chima Amadi said the traders are still reeling from the debilitating effects of NAFDAC’S clampdown. He said most of them lost their lifetime investments.

According to him, the traders recorded over N30 billion in losses as a result of the operations and subsequent closure of the market.

Amadi noted that during the exercise, NAFDAC seized and took away both substandard and original pharmaceutical products from many traders, a development which he noted, has crippled many of the affected dealers.

According to Amadi, while some affected ones are facing shock-induced health challenges, others have closed shops and relocated to the village.

He informed that some who are managing to operate are presently struggling to pay back loan facilities and other indebtedness.

“To be frank with you, we never experienced even one quarter of what happened to us during the tenure of late Prof Dora Akunyili.

“The experience at the hands of NAFDAC was too bitter, and it will be difficult to forget.

“You will recall that early February this year NAFDAC invaded Ecumi Plaza Aba. When they came, we, the leadership, cooperated with them fully.

“This was because we don’t tolerate illegal activities among our members. In fact, even NAFDAC’s operation, we established a task force that monitored the activities of our members in the market with a view to tracking fake, counterfeit and expired drugs.

“But when NAFDAC came, after seizing identified substandard items, they proceeded to carting away original pharmaceutical products so much that a lot of innocent people were affected.

“Although it is difficult to precisely quantify the loss, but suffice it to say that our members lost over N30 billion both to the NAFDAC invasion and subsequent closure of our shops and market for three months.

“When you add the losses incurred during the over three months closure of the market, it is unquantifiable.

“At this juncture, I want to reinstate our complete aversion to our members dealing on expired and substandard products.

“Like I said earlier, we have an internal mechanism as a body for the monitoring of the activities of members.

“So, we are not in any way opposed to NAFDAC doing their job.

“But the way and manner the February operation was carried our left much to be desired. NAFDAC could not draw a line between offenders and innocent traders .

“And the result was the monumental loss recorded by many innocent traders.

“As I am talking to you now ,many of our members are still suffering shock-induced health challenges; some have closed shops and gone back to the village while some whose shops are open are battling with how to pay bank loans and other indebtedness.

“I don’t think we would wish our worst enemies what happened to us at the hands of NAFDAC between February and April 2025”, Amadi lamented.

Amadi, therefore, called on the Abia State Government and all other relevant authorities to come to the aid of the traders, most of whom he fears may not be able to recover from the effects of their experiences if there is no urgent intervention.

Rivers State Clamps Down On Medical Quacks, Seal 72 Hospitals

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 29, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Government has warned that quackery in any form within the medical and allied professions will not be tolerated in the State.

This is as it announced the sealing of no fewer than 72 medical facilities, and the arrest of over 12 suspects in connection with quackery.

At an interactive session with the Media in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Rivers State Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, also, cautioned non-state actors, civil society organizations, and charity groups and individuals against holding any medical outreach and programmes in Rivers State without prior notice and approval from relevant State Authorities.

Dr Wachukwu who is also the Director of Medical Services in the State Ministry of Health, informed that the 72 Health facilities were sealed by the Anti-Quackery Committee since the inception of its operations

According to him, the Government and good people of Rivers state have declared zero tolerance for any forms of quackery in the State.

He, therefore, urged all existing health facilities and intending operators of healthcare delivery institutions to apply and secure all requisite approvals from relevant authorities.

The Committee Chairman lamented the growing trend of quackery within the health sector in the State, despite the efforts made by the Committee to halt the situation.

He, however, expressed the unwavering commitment of both the Committee and the Rivers State Government towards riding the State of the activities of quacks within the healthcare delivery system.

“We have really worked so hard since the inception of this Anti-Quackery Committee. We have sealed over 72 hospitals. We have arrested 12 persons in connection with quackery.

If you also recall, there was a hospital that was sealed sometime ago in Oyinbo that was being manned by a Korean.

“He was arrested and detained by the Department of State Service DSS, and probably for diplomatic reasons, he was deported and so his own activities in Nigeria have ended. Some people have also been imprisoned because of their activities.

“However, despite the efforts of this Committee and the Rivers State Government to rid the state of these Quacks, it would surprise you to note that these practices are still ongoing in so many areas, and Local Governments unabated, including Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, and their environs”, Dr Wachukwu stated

According to him, most of the arrested persons and sealed hospitals were recorded in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ikwerre Local Councils.

He explained that the facilities were sealed for various offences including their owners operating without licences, operating in unhealthy environments, as well as from residential apartments.

This is as he accused medical doctors working with Government hospitals of aiding and abetting the operations of such illegal health facilities in the State.

The Committee Chairman warned that henceforth, the State Government will sanction any of its personnel found culpable of aiding the activities of quacks in the state.

“You can’t imagine a doctor going to maternity to carry out surgery when Primary Healthcare Centre that was built and being run by the Government is not authorized to perform surgery”, Wachukwu noted.

To further sanitize the system and protect the lives of citizens, Dr Wachukwu reaffirmed the State Government’s ban on any medical outreach without the express approval of appropriate regulatory authorities.

“We want to use this medium to warn that no religious organization, private hospital, NGOs, and even corporate entities are authorized to carry out any form of free medical assistance without the approval of the Ministry of Health through the office of the Director, Medical Services” Wachukwu stated .

In his contributions,the Rivers state Chairman of the NMA ,Dr Diamond Tamunokuro advised medical practitioners to always align their operations with regulatory guidelines, including seeking and obtaining requisite approvals.

He warned that the NMA would not shield any erring members from facing the full weight of the law should they go contrary to established and legal frameworks governing their professional callings.

“What the Government and good people of Rivers State are saying is that quacks are no longer allowed in the health sector in the State.

“If you are not registered with the Rivers state Ministry of Health, you are not qualified to do what you are doing.

“If you are practising in a place that is not supposed to be used for a hospital, then you should desist from it now because the Anti-Quackery Committee will get you

” We are going beyond just Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt areas. We are going to places far away from the main cities. The moment the Committee gets you, you will be arrested and prosecuted”, Dr Tamunokuro warned.

2027: Jonathan Won’t Bow To Pressure Not To Run

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 29, 2025

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has not totally ruled out his participation in the 2027 presidential election.

His brother, Azibaola Robert made this known on his Facebook page on Friday, saying those that are prevailing on his not to run have ulterior motives.

Azibaola said the former leader has not dropped out from the contest, which not a few Nigerians say will be a mother of all contest among popular presidential aspirants.

Those planning to contest include, incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state, amongst others.

Jonathan has yet to publicly speak on the issue but close watchers of politics in the country informed the magazine that he’s still consulting, and would make his decision on the matter known soon.

Analysts insist that his recent visit to former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in his Minna, Niger state, Hilltop Mansion may not be unconnected with the 2027 presidential run.

“The former president has made it clear that he would not yield to calls not to run, since those making such admonitions had selfish motives,” Azibaola said.

Recall that Jonathan’s wife, and former First Lady had recently declared support for Tinubu, saying the Nigerian Presidency is “turn by turn”.

Tinubu Will Fulfill His Promises, Rep Assures Nigerians

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 29, 2025

A member of the House of Representatives from Kogi state, Leke Abejide has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will surpass expectations of Nigerians.

Abejide who is representing epresenting Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro constituency, made the remark when the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, RHA, paid him a visit in his office.

The RHA is one of the group working for the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027.

The lawmaker is not a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but he supports Tinubu’s reelection, as a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Speaking to the RHA led by Abbas Mustapha, national coordinator, and Mustapha Alfa Makanta, national secretary, in his office on Wednesday, the lawmaker urged Nigerians to be patient with the president, who he said will deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, promised by his party.

He said he will join other supporters of the president to ensure that Nigerians are mobilised for the return of Tinubu to office in the next election.

The RHA, in their reaction to Abejide ‘s remark thanked him for his loyalty to the president despite being a member of another party.

“We commend your unwavering loyalty to the cause of Mr President. You have proven not only to be progressive but also to be part of the journey to usher in a breath of fresh air for the country,” they said.

The magazine reports that Abejide had recently threatened to dump the ADC for APC due to the leadership crisis in the party.

Some key opposition leaders have recently adopted the ADC as a vehicle to oust President Tinubu from power in 2027, the plan, according to Abejide and some old members of the party threatened their interests.

Piracy In Gulf Of Guinea: NIMASA Counters Attack On MT Endo Ponente

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 29, 2025

At 20:53hrs on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the C4i Centre of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received an alert from the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade (MDAT) Gulf of Guinea Watchkeepers regarding an attempted boarding of the Malta-flagged chemical tanker, ENDO PONENTE, at position 05°10’N, 001°23’E, close to Lome Port, Togo.

Intelligence gathered from the C4i Centre later placed the vessel at 04°19’16”N, 01°35’59”E, within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The NIMASA Special Mission Vessel DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, was immediately alerted and is currently closing in on the distressed vessel.

The crew have retreated to the Citadel in line with international best practice for ship security.

NIMASA is actively coordinating with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the crew and to support ongoing investigations into the incident.

Commenting on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency ’s commitment to regional maritime security cooperation, stating:

“NIMASA remains committed to strengthening security collaboration across the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard seafarers, deter criminal activity, and ensure safer maritime trade, leveraging on the Deep Blue Project.”

The ENDO PONENTE a moderate-risk Maltese-flagged chemical tanker generally operates across West, Central, and Southern African regions. Its last port call was at Kalamu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

“You Are Responsible For Congestion At Correctional Centres”, Bauchi CJ Tells Prosecutors

Ayodele Oni

August 29, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has expressed concern over the absence of prosecutors or late arrival of the quarterly review which has been stalling court proceedings.

Speaking during a quarterly routine visit of Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs, Umar pointed out that without a prosecutor to advance evidence or give information, such a case cannot be reviewed for either bail or setting free persons involved.

Part of the committee’s duties is review of cases of inmates awaiting trial at the various correctional centres across the state.

Justice Umar had visited Bauchi, Misau, Azare, Jama’are and Ningi correctional centres, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest the correctional facilities across the state and promote timely administration of justice.

The visit was also aimed at reviewing several cases of inmates awaiting trials, and exercise judicial discretion in ordering the release of those deemed eligible.

The. Chief Judge explained that the absence of prosecutors or late arrival of the quarterly review has been stalling proceedings,

At the Bauchi correctional centre, the Chief Judge set free three accused persons for alleged culpable homicide; kidnapping; criminal conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery, who have spent six years, and four years respectively without trials or attending the court of law.

Umar noted with concern over past sittings of the committee where accused case files could not be traced for review, pointing out that leaving them in confinement for unforeseeable period of time is against their fundamental rights of freedom, hence the committee has resolved to set them free.

She urged prosecutors to exhibit greater diligence in their day-to-day duties, particularly in the quick conclusion of investigations and presenting prompt evidence to the appropriate channels to avoid unnecessary delays in court proceedings.

Justice Rabi advised the inmates who had regained their freedom to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate activities that will benefit them, their families and the society at large.

At Ningi correctional centre, she granted bail to two awaiting trials inmates and asked those in confinement to reform themselves in order to be of good examples to others when they get into the larger society after serving their jail terms.

Speaking during the exercise, the Bauchi State Controller of Correctional Centres, Isa Nuru Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for her commitment and for taking the time to personally inspect the custodial centres.

Mohammed also acknowledged the vital role played by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in supporting the decongestion correctional centres in the state and encouraged the released inmates to demonstrate good behavior as they reintegrate into society.

One of the accused (name withheld) told the committee that he was randomly arrested at a market doing his legitimate duty as a loader following crisis which arose from an annual wrestling jamboree in one of the Local Government Area headquarters of Bauchi state.

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