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Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo Orders Investigation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Killing Of Hausa Travelers In Edo

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered investigation into the killing of some Hausa hunters who were travelling home for Sallah.

A mob had intercepted the victims at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

After ransacking their vehicle where dane guns used by hunters were found, the mob had concluded that they were kidnappers, burning them alive.

In a viral video, the deceased were seen rounded up by some youths who eventually set them ablaze.

The incident has triggered outrage, with many Nigerians accusing government of being unable to stem jungle justice.

Governor Okpebholo, who described the act as barbaric and condemnable, vowed that the perpetrators would brought to justice.

The Governor, who spoke at Uromi through the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, said he was there to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence.

He said investigations revealed that those killed had boarded a commercial truck and was stopped by members of local security outfit who upon search of the vehicle, discovered some guns, a situation that led to the mob attack by persons around the vicinity.

He warned that nobody has the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the barbaric killing was a cause of concern to the Governor.

“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attacked will not go scot -free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full scale investigation into the matter.

“As I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence.”

He, however, called for calm while assuring the law abiding residents of Uromi, especially the Hausa Community in the area to go about their daily activities, as men of the Nigerian police force and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy to the place.

Court Sentences Kano Woman To Death For Throwing Minor Into  Deep Well

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By  Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Kano housewife, Fadila Adamu, is to die by hanging for kidnapping and killing a teenager, a Kano state High Court has ruled.

Adamu was find guilty of  causing the death of her victim, an eight-year girl,  by throwing her inside a well after holding captive.

Delivering judgement on Friday, March 28, 2025, Justice Yusuf Muhammad Ubale held that the prosecution has proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt .

“I hereby sentence the defendant to death by hanging for kidnapping and throwing the victim into a well resulting in her death” the Judge ruled .

Earlier, the prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba Sorondinki,  informed the Court that  Adamu committed the crime on July 14 ,2019 in the Tudun Wada area of Kano.

According to him, the defendant abducted the victim at about 4.45 pm on the said date and took her to her residence .

The defendant was said to have informed her sister that the victim was the daughter of her friend who had traveled to Ghana, requesting her to take care of her child until her return.

Sadly, however, Adamu was said to have thrown the minor into a deep  well on July 17, 2019, at about 6.30 pm at Tukuntawa Quarters in Kano, a development that led to her death.

The prosecution in the course of the trial  presented seven  witnesses and documented evidences ,including the defendant’s statement to prove his case .

But despite the overwhelming evidences tendered  by the prosecution, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the crime.

Justice Ubale, in sentencing the defendant , held that her  action was in clear contravention of Sections 274 (b) and 221( a) of the Penal  Code that relate to abduction and culpable homicide.

Atiku, Northern Governors Demand Probe Of Edo Killings

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

Angry reactions has greeted the killing of some Hausas Travelers in Edo state, that were mistaken for kidnappers.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing of some Northerners in Edo State.

The victims, who were mostly Hausa hunters, were on their way to Kano to celebrate the Sallah festivities when they were intercepted and unfortunately killed by local vigilantes in Uromi.

According to reports, the hunters, who were armed, were mistaken for kidnappers terrorizing the area.

The incident has been generating condemnation from stakeholders across the country.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Atiku said, “The unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

“The protection of innocent lives must remain paramount, and I urge the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of jungle justice.

“Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions.”

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) also condemned the horrific murder of travelers from Northern Nigeria in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe on Friday.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the attack as a gross violation of human rights, stressing that extrajudicial violence is entirely unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned with the utmost severity.

The Northern Governors Forum expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragic event.

“We are deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya said.

“This appalling act undermines the rule of law and the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated that all Nigerians, regardless of their region, should be able to travel freely and safely without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation.

He urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent such incidents from recurring, while also appealing for calm.

“I Will Continue To Work For You” – President Tinubu Assures Nigerians

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has words of advice for Nigerians as he marked his 73rd birthday with Juma’ah prayers in Abuja.

He promised to continue to work hard and pray for the peace and stability of the nation.

In an interview with reporters after the special Juma’ah prayer session for the nation and commemoration of his birthday at the National Mosque, on Friday, the President thanked God for the grace of seeing his 73rd birthday.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President will turn 73rd on March 29th, 2025.

The statement added that President Tinubu promised that the safety and welfare of citizens remain uppermost on his mind and prayer list.

“I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers.

“We also thank Allah for accepting our worship; that is key and very important to us.

“We have prayed for our country. We prayed for the stability and peace of the nation. We prayed that Almighty Allah will safeguard our people and all citizens.”

President Tinubu added that his watchword remains “hard work and hard prayers.”

“The word for all of us is hard work. You work harder, and you pray harder. That’s the inspiration I got from today’s sermon.

“We thank God almighty that at this stage, we are still in it and working.”

Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu,the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate, and other clerics led the special prayers for the nation and the president.

Dr Solaberu assured President Tinubu of continual prayers for his good health, strength and wisdom to steer the nation’s affairs.

The renowned Islamic cleric and scholar noted that prayers for the nation’s peace and stability would herald the citizens’ development and well-being.

The Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, thanked the President and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, for catering to the poor and needy during Ramadan.

Prof. Adam urged Muslims to continue their prayers for the President, the nation, and goodwill toward the poor after Ramadan.

“Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you will succeed,” he added.

The Jumat was attended by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, Service Chiefs, and some members of the President’s family.

Socialite, Aisha Achimugu Declared Wanted By EFCC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Aisha Achimugu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, wanted.

Achimugu was declared wanted over an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

This disclosure was made by the agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, via a circular released on the EFCC’s X handle on Friday.

The circular reads, “The public is hereby notified that Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

“Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and her last known address is 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja.

“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission at its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644, its email address: [email protected] or the nearest Police Station or other Security Agencies.”

It would be recalled that the agency had, in a letter, summoned the socialite to appear at its Port Harcourt office on March 5 over alleged money laundering and a high-profile investment scam.

The letter, dated March 4, and signed by  EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Adebayo Adeniyi, was sent to Achimugu’s residential address in Abuja.

“This Commission is currently investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from you becomes imperative.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through the Head of Investigation on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, by 10:00 hours prompt,” the letter reads.

However, rather than reporting to the EFCC office as requested by the Commission, Achimugu was said to have travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday, March 6.

Following her alleged departure from the country, the EFCC obtained an arrest warrant and declared her wanted.

Again, Police Stops Emirs Sanusi, Bayero From Holding Sallah Durbar

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Emir Sanusi holds Durbar In Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For the second year running ,the Police authorities on Friday March 28, 2028, formally banned all forms of Sallah Durbar and any procession by any of the two contending factions for the Emirate stool.

The Source reports that since May 23, 2024, Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi Lamido have been  laying claim to the coveted royal throne of Kano Emirate.

Governor Abba  Yusuf, working in tandem with the State House of Assembly had, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, dethroned  Bayero the 15th Emir of the Emirate, and reinstalled Sanusi  as the 16th Emir.

Sanusi had  earlier been  sacked in 2020 as the 14th Emir by the immediate past Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje .

A plethora of Court actions by both parties has since led to two rival  Emirs in the Emirate for the first time in its history.

Presently, the two parties are eagerly awaiting the decision of the highest court in the land -Supreme Court – to know who finally occupies the throne.

In the main, while  Sanusi occupies the main palace in the ancient city, Bayero holds court at the mini Palace in Nasarawa GRA, close to the State’s seat of power.

In 2024, the insistence by both Traditional Rulers to observe the Sallah Durbar, led to Security Agencies banning the ceremony to forstall the possibilities of a breakdown of law and order.

The same scenario is playing out in 2025 with the police once again stepping in .

A statement on Friday by  Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, SP,  the spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command informed that this year’s Sallah celebrations in the ancient city will also be devoid of any procession and/or Durbar.

According to the Police, the measure is to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the State.

But the position of the Police clearly contradicts that of Governor Yusuf, who had on March 18, 2025  directed all Traditional Leaders in the State to commence preparations for the observance of  Sallah Durbar by Emir Sanusi.

Sanusi is strongly enjoying the backing of the State Government, while Bayero has seems to have the support of some Federal forces .

According to Governor Yusuf, his administration will not allow anybody and group of people to deny the people the celebration of their cherished religious and cultural heritage.

He has similarly assured the people that efforts were ongoing to engage security agencies on  how to ensure a hitch free Durbar by Emir Sanusi.

Conversely, the Bayero camp, on Wednesday  March 26 , voluntarily called off  its earlier plan to hold the Traditional Sallah Durbar festivities citing the need to avoid any breakdown of law and order as a major reason

As at the time reporting ,the Kano authorities ,were yet to react to the Police ban of Sallah Durbar for the second time in two years.

Adherents Of Sharia Law Free In The State – Oyo State Gov. Reverses Decision

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sharia

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revised his decision not to allow the implementation of the Islamic Sharia law in the state.

Makinde made these remarks during the 2025 Iftar Programme organized by the Oyo State Government, the sixth such event since his tenure began in 2019, held in Ibadan.

Sharia law has taken off in the South West despite opposition to its implementation by states in the zone.

Governor Makinde had earlier been reported to have vowed to drag those behind the Islamic law practice in the state to court.

The governor has however, addressed the proposed implementation of Sharia Law in certain South-West states, including Oyo, clarifying that his administration will not oppose any initiative that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution.

This statement comes in response to media reports suggesting the Oyo State Government would legally challenge the plan.

Governor Makinde stated that individuals are free to utilize the Sharia Panel as an alternative dispute resolution method.

He emphasized that the courts, as outlined by the Constitution, retain the authority to settle all disputes, and his administration will consistently adhere to constitutional principles.

He affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and unity in the state, and pledged to prevent any attempts to create discord.

AYCF, Reps Member, Condemn Killing Of Hausa Travelers In Edo, Call For Investigation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Killing Of Hausa Travelers In Edo

By Ayodele Oni

Tension has gripped Uromi community in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State following the gruesome killing of some travelers by a mob.

Report stated that some travelers, mostly Hausa, from Port Harcourt were waylaid at Uromi on suspicion that they were kidnappers.

The suspicion, it was gathered, was based on the fact that most of the passengers, traveling for Sallah celebrations were armed with guns.

They were reportedly accosted by members of vigilantes in the community that now invited youths to attack them leading to the death of several persons, while others were beaten to stupor among the travellers.

Before security agents could intercede, the victims had been brutalized leading to death of several of them while the vehicle in which they were traveling was set ablaze.

A Member Representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Marcus Onobun has condemned the alleged killing of seven persons of Northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East in a trending online video.

Onobun, in a reaction to the situation, described the Jungle Justice style as alien to the people of Edo State, who he said are hospitable and not hostile.

The House of Representatives Member decried the worsening security situation in the state, which has created fear in the minds of the people of  Edo State.

While stressing that the situation in which the jungle justice was carried out is still sketchy, he called on security agencies including the Inspector General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident to unravel the  immediate and remote causes of the incident.

Onobun however called on President Tinubu to wade into the security challenges faced by residents of Edo state, adding that the protection of lives and properties should be made very sacrosanct.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has also condemned the mob killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo state on Thursday.

In a press statement signed by Yerima Shetima, President General, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) said the 16 innocent travellers from the northern part of the country lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.

According to the statement, “we stands united in its outrage and condemnation of the horrific events that transpired on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.

“These victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were en route from Port Harcourt to Kano to celebrate the Sallah festivities when they fell prey to a brutal and misguided attack, fueled by false accusations and sheer ignorance.

“It is with deep sorrow that we learnt that these individuals were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.

“The subsequent actions of an irate mob, incited by unfounded claims of kidnapping, led to a grotesque act of barbarism that is both regrettable and unacceptable.

“The mob’s actions resulted in the loss of 16 precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze

“We recognize the pain and anger that this incident has caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond.

“However, we urge our brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant. It is essential to resist the temptation for retaliation and instead seek justice through lawful means.

“The AYCF stands ready to support the community in advocating for their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity is never repeated.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this mob injustice to justice. We must work together to build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.”

“The AYCF remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.

Billions Of Naira Lost As Fire Razes Onitsha Market

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service on Friday March 28 ,2025 ,said they are battling hard to control a fire outbreak at a section of the Onitsha Main Market .

An early morning inferno razed a substantial part of the  Market ,leaving in its wake monumental losses.

According to some eyewitness accounts , the fire which began at about 6.00 am, Friday, March 28, from one of the stalls, was to later engulf many other shops and buildings.

It is estimated that goods worth  billions of Naira may have been lost to the raging fire.

Several shops and buildings  have been affected. Firefighters and other public spirited individuals were battling to arrest the situation.

It is not yet clear what have ignited the fire outbreak, but speculations are strong that it may have resulted from a possible faulty electrical installation.

However, Chukwudi Chiketa, the Head of Media and Public Relations Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, while confirming the unfortunate incident informed that efforts were underway to bring the situation under control .

In a short statement, Chiketa sued for calm. ,as efforts to put out the fire continue.

“Anambra State Fire Service is currently on intervention at the scene of the fire outbreak at Ifejika Street by Sokoto Road Onitsha.

A distress call came at 0620 am today ( Friday ) and our firefighters deployed immediately”, the Fire Service spokesperson stated .

Meanwhile, locals and other concerned persons joined the official firefighters both in puting out the fire and rescue operations

Particularly, concerted  efforts are ongoing to assist in retrieving goods and other valuables in some endangered shops .

Wike Importing Rivers Crisis Into Bayelsa, Gov Diri Raises Alarm,  Minister  Urges Him To Face Governance

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Douye Diri and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Douye Diri has warned those planning a mega rally in support of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike to stay away from Bayelsa State as that is capable of breaching the peace in the State.

In response, Wike urged the Governor to stop crying wolf where there is none.

The Source reports that some nebulous groups, in the last few days, have been  drumming up support for a  rally and inauguration of a body loyal to the FCT minister in Yenagoa the Bayelsa state capital.

The planned rally is coming up amidst the tension created in Rivers state, and the entire Niger Delta region by the increasingly unpopular declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu.

The President had on Tuesday March 18, 2025, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly, after proclaiming an emergency rule.

The action has since turned out to be an albatross of sorts, as it has incurred the wrath of overwhelming majority of Nigerians, and even global  audience.

On personal level ,Wike has unarguably become the biggest casualty as his image has  taken a hit,owing to his role in events which led up to the emergency declaration in his home State, Rivers.

But speaking after the State Security Council meeting on Thursday evening, March 27, Governor Diri warned that such a gathering in the state capital, at this critical moment has the potentials to severely disrupt not just the peace of the State, but escalate tension in the entire Niger Delta region.

Bayelsa  is the only State in the country wholly belonging to the Ijaws whose son, Fubara, is  being hounded by the Wike’s political machine.

Holding a mega rally in the State capital in support of Wike is being perceived by not a few as a  direct confrontation with the already injured Ijaw people.

Governor Diri, expressed serious concern about an alleged plot to cause chaos in the state ,by those behind the mega rally.

He charged security Chiefs, Commanders, community  Traditional Rulers and Youth Leaders in the State to be on high alert, to abort any orchestrated  plan by any misguided group to disrupt the peace and security of Bayelsa.

According to the Governor, staging such a rally at a time the political crisis in neighbouring Rivers is at a boiling point could lead to some serious consequences on the security architecture of Bayelsa.

Governor Diri. noted that the alarm has become highly imperative given that the Wike, had recently vowed to stoke crisis in Bayelsa.

But he also cautioned those harbouring the idea of brewing crisis in Bayelsa to have a rethink as the people are determined to resist any such move.

“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I, therefore, urge Security Chiefs in the State to be on the alert.

“Parents and Traditional Rulers should discourage their wards from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.

“The peaceful disposition of of the people should not be mistaken for cowardice. We will not allow some faceless group to foment trouble in Bayelsa which is the home land of all Ijaw people.

“As you are aware, we have threats from our sister State, Rivers. The political crisis there is threatening us, and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa state.

“We have in our party a renegade who has decided to form a parallel PDP in Bayelsa State ,working with an ex-Governor.

“The party in our state suspended him for gross misconduct and for now he is not a member of our party in Bayelsa state.

“He was part of a kangaroo PDP South-south Zonal Congress that was rejected by the National Working Committee, NWC, of our party, and he is threatening the peace of the State.

“Well, this is not Rivers state. Bayelsa is the cradle of every Ijaw man. I have always said that being peaceful is not cowardice.

“We are very courageous, and we can stand up for the truth at all times. Any public facility belonging to Bayelsa state  cannot be used, except with express approval of the State Government”,

Governor Diri said.

However, the Minister of the FCT described Governor Diri’s security alarm as shamefully baseless.

A statement by Lere Olayinka ,his Media Aide, noted that Wike could have contacted Security Agencies personally if actually there was a plan to hold a rally for him in Bayelsa State.

The statement further advised the Governor to pay more attention to the issues of  governance, rather  than dissipating energy and  chasing shadows.

“It is so unfortunate that a Governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally which is their right to hold”, Olayinka stated.

Olayinka noted that as a fearless person, the FCT Minister will always show his face in any project or event in which he is interested, rather than hide under any group.

The statement expressed regret that the Governor could call a security council meeting just to discuss rumoured planned rally for Wike.

“Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa state has become? Must he use Wike as a cover up for his failure in governance and politics?”, he queried.

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