Crime Facts

Azman Air removed from runway – Source

Azman Air Boeing 737 aircraft with registration 5N SYS, and flight number ZQ2325 that had a tyre burst after landing on runway 18 R of Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday evening has been towed out of the runway, Vanguard learnt. A source said the plane was removed from the runway late Tuesday night. Recall that Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, had in a statement disclosed that: “The Accident Investigation Bureau and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company are already working to ensure the aircraft is towed out of the runway, so as to restore normalcy”. However, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a temporary closure of runway 18R/36L at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. All passengers and crew on board the aircraft were safely evacuated at 7.08pm, by the officials of FAAN Air rescue and fire fighting services.

Malami advises FG to create agency for herdsmen’s activities

The Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami ( SAN) , has recommended the creation of a Federal Government agency that will regulate the activities of herdsmen . Malami said this while delivering his address as a special guest of honour at the Peace , Unity, and Security Lecture Series at the ECOWAS main auditorium, Abuja on Tuesday. The minister admitted that the crisis between the herders and farmers had become a pressing issue and steps were needed to tackle it. He also said there was a need to revitalise the Nomadic Education Commission. He stated , “ Nigeria is predominately agricultural in nature and by geography . To that extent, there is constant mobility of herders across the different belts of Nigeria . It is perhaps time to consider the setting -up of a commission for pastoralism regulated by law. “ This might provide recipes for resolving protracted farmer -herder conflicts . The commission may even engage in or facilitate in -depth analytical studies with a view to providing lasting solutions for the benefit of people and the country. ” He also called for the “ revamping of the activities of the Nomadic Education Commission with a view to complementing the efforts of the government in resolving the farmer – herder clashes . ” Malami restated the commitment of the Federal Government in supporting initiatives and programmes that would help resolve the lingering farmer – herder crises in the country . The AGF argued that some of the ways for a peaceful Nigeria include strict adherence to the rule of law , respecting the sanctity of the fundamental human rights in all ramifications, including freedom of movement and the right of citizens to stay at whatever part of the country they choose to and other provisions as contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remain fulcrum for a peaceful society The minister said the farmer -herder crisis is real , adding that it requires real – time and practically -oriented solutions . He stated, “ The better approach towards resolving the crisis over the short, medium and long terms is to directly involve the stakeholders in coming up with solutions at the conception, implementation and monitoring faces . ” Malami also recommended the creation of regulated grazing reserves to replace the “ Burtali ” or “ Hurumi ” pastoral system . He called for the “ intensive enlightenment to livestock breeders on the need for sedentary farming and transhumance agriculture as a complementary economic process to nomadic farming. ” The minister further recommended the provision of water holes in remote grazing locations, subsidised veterinary care , and mobile ambulatory services for surgeries and other medical interventions for livestock. He said there was also a need for the provision of infrastructure – social amenities, educational facilities , and cattle markets at central locations to accelerate nomadic settlements .

PDP Leaders Meet Jonathan Amid Rumours Of APC’s Plot To Field Him In 2023

The National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki is currently meeting with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Details of the meeting are sketchy but Daily Trust gathered that it may not be unconnected to the party’s plan for the 2023 election. Alongside key PDP leaders, Saraki stormed President Jonathan’s residence at Maitama, Abuja, around 1:00pm. Former governors of Katsina, Gombe and Cross Rivers states; Ibrahim Shema, Ibrahim Dankwambo and Liyel Imoke, are among those in attendance. Others at the closed-door meeting include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; and erstwhile House of Representatives leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande. Saraki’s committee was inaugurated months after the PDP lost the presidential election to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2019. Among its objectives is reconciling aggrieved members who have left the party and as well wooing new members to the party ahead of the next general election. Daily Trust had reported how some kinsmen and political allies of Jonathan intensified their move to woo the Nigerian leader into 2023 presidential race. Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted the claim that it is planning to make the former president its candidate in 2023, reports on such move have been flying around. Some of Jonathan’s allies, especially in Bayelsa, where he hails from, have been pushing him for the 2023 election. Jonathan’s kinsman from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and pro-democracy advocate, Comrade Wisdom Ikuli, told Daily Trust that the former president is very eligible to contest the 2023 presidential election and that most Nigerians are yearning for his return.

Valentine: Final year student commits suicide after girlfriend cheated on him

A final year student of the Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State has committed suicide after accusing his girlfriend of cheating on him on Valentine’s Day. The university’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Bello, told PREMIUM TIMES the incident occurred on Monday. He added that the vice chancellor, Abdulkareem Sabo, has ordered an investigation. He said the deceased, Abdullahi Bashir, a 400-level student of Mathematics, died after ingesting an insecticide, Sniper, at his off campus apartment at Yalwawa quarters in Dutse. Mr Bashir was pronounced dead at Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital in Dutse, the official added. The university identified his girlfriend as Rafi’atu, but gave no further details. To check recurrence of incidents like that, Mr Bello said the university is establishing a mentorship programme “in which each students will have an academic mentor attached to him throughout their stay in the university”. “Also, the university will strengthen the guidance and counselling unit under the Student Affairs Division where every students will have dedicated time to interact with their mentor on problems affecting them in the school,” Mr Bello said.

Buhari quietly appoints Social media aide Bashir Ahmad manager of lucrative petroleum ministry department ( DPR), management reacts

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed his junior media aide Bashir Ahmad to supervise a powerful and lucrative division at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) — a role that supersedes his work experience and area of expertise, officials familiar with the development told Peoples Gazette over the weekend. According to the people Gazette, Mr. Ahmad, 29, has served as personal assistant to Mr. Buhari on new media since 2016. Despite still retaining his presidency appointment, he recently hustled his way in as the head of the newly-established National Production Monitoring System (NPMS) of DPR – Nigeria’s preeminent oil and gas sector regulator, the Gazette learnt from four officials at the presidency and DPR with sufficient details of the appointment. Mr. Ahmad’s appointment, which was tacitly executed in line with Buhari regime’s culture of opacity, presents a blanket remunerative boost for the young presidential aid. However reacting to the allegation, The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Tuesday said an appointment letter circulating on social media allegedly issued to Nigeria President media aide Bashir Ahmad is “fake” and a “handiwork of mischief maker.” “We hereby advise members of the public to disregard the purported letter in its entirety as it is not from DPR,” DPR’s head of public affairs Paul Osu said in a statement. “We wish to reiterate that employment into the Department is carried out in accordance with extant rules guiding such exercises in the Nigerian Public Service in line with due process.” Peoples Gazzette, a digital news outlet, Monday published a report that Ahmad was appointed “to supervise a powerful and lucrative division at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) — a role that supersedes his work experience and area of expertise.” The report said despite Ahmad retaining his presidency appointment, “he recently hustled his way in as the head of the newly-established National Production Monitoring System (NPMS) of DPR – Nigeria’s preeminent oil and gas sector regulator, the Gazette learnt from four officials at the presidency and DPR with sufficient details of the appointment.”

Historic moment for human rights as federal high court scraps fees for filing cases

The federal high court has scrapped all charges attached to filing cases that border on fundamental human rights. This notice was issued in a circular signed by Jane Egbo, assistant chief registrar (litigation), and pasted around the Abuja court premises on Tuesday. The circular is titled: “Re; Monetary claims and default fees in fundamental right applications.” “I have been directed by the Hon. chief judge of the federal high court, Hon. justice J. T. Tsoho to inform all DCRs (deputy chief registrars) and station registrars that henceforth, monetary claims and default fees in respect of fundamental human right applications should no longer be charged. Be so informed and comply accordingly,” the notice read. Just like civil matters or any other suit filed before a court, applicants in fundamental rights enforcement cases were expected to pay filing fees, among others. There were also financial penalties attached to defaulting in filing processes within the time allowed by the court’s rules. The development represents a turning point in the enforcement of human rights in Nigeria, as it will result in the prosecution of more cases by the country’s courts.

Growing Tension May Lead Us To A Point Of No Return, Abdulsalami Warns

Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), Chairman of the National Peace Committee, says the growing tension in the wake of ethnic crisis can lead the country to a point of no return. Speaking with journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State capital, the former head of state described the recent happening in some parts of the country as unfortunate. “We appeal to the citizens of our dear country who have borne so much pains and suffering to remain resilient and patient,” he said. “Thousands of our people are homeless and refugees across the length and breath of their own country. We know what farmers have faced in the last few years and the harvests will be a serious challenge this year. “Therefore, let us all rally together in these hard times, make the required sacrifices and remain vigilant, standing by one another.” He appealed to governors to tone down their rhetoric and take full responsibility for managing the divergent voices and frustrations within their states. He said, “It is true that we are all in a state of fear and collective anxiety. However, the last thing we need is for the enemy to sense a lack of unity on our part or a break in our ranks. “We appeal to the new service chiefs and IGP to rise to the urgent demands of the moment by rallying their troops and designing the best strategy for ending the tragic war that has continued to consumed and destroy the foundations of our dear country. “We hope that based on their field experiences in the war, they can draw up a well-coordinated programme to ensure that all our resources are deployed to achieve the much-needed victory in this avoidable war.”

Kidnapping: We Will Install CCTV Cameras On All Major Highways, Says FG

The Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi says efforts are to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on all major highways across the country to curb the rising cases of kidnapping. Dingyadi who disclosed this in an interview on Channels Television breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily said President Muhammadu Buhari has given the approval for the project and the Federal Government has entered into an agreement with NPS Technology Company to re-fix the abandoned CCTV project. “We are moving forward, like you are aware, the 470million CCTV project that has been abandoned. Mr President has now given us the go-ahead to resuscitate the project and we have already entered into a concession agreement with NPS technologies. They are there trying to re-fix the entire system to resuscitate it. “By the time this system is put in place, we will have a lot of technology to manage this crisis – particularly this issue of kidnapping. We will go a long to ensure that we reduce the number of kidnappings in this country,” the Minister said. When asked if the CCTV will be in only major cities like Abuja, the Minister said, “The CCTV is going to be on all the major highways in all the states of the Federation, it is everywhere in this country.” Dingyadi said the company in charge of the CCTV project is already purchasing the needed equipment for the project. Speaking concerning the challenges, he said they are aware of the challenges involved in achieving the projects and they are tackling them headlong “That is what we are doing now, we are facing the challenges, we are trying to resuscitate it. This company is already going into action to ensure that they purchase the needed equipment. He added that the project will be accomplished based on public and private partnerships.

Police nab 7 car snatchers in Imo

Ibe Pascal Arogorn, Owerri Seven persons have been arrested in Imo state, over alleged stealing of vehicles, days after they were said to have been released from prison on the same offence. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Orlando Ikeokwu, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Owerri. Ikeokwu, said their arrest was made possible after the Imo police got a distress call from Aba in Abia state. Given insight on how the Imo police arrested the suspects as well as recover the said stolen car, LEXUS 350 SUV, from the suspects all of who are males. The police said: “On 1st February 2021, based on a distress call from Aba, Abia state, informing the command that some hoodlums snatched one LEXUS 350 SUV, with reg. No. KSF 758 FS, and were believed to be moving towards Imo state. “Upon receipt of the report operatives of the Command’s QUICK INTERVENTION TEAM (QUIT) swung into action. Sequel to some painstaking and diligent investigation, “The QUIT operatives arrested the following; Amado Kennedy, Imo state Igilegbe Chiwendu, Enugu state Nwaorie Moses, Enugu, Godfrey Ntosi, Delta state, Chinedu Agwu, Abia state, Eze obinwane, Imo state, and Ejiofor Egwe, Abia state.” He continued: “However, at the point of arrest, the stolen SUV was recovered from them. It is noteworthy that the suspects were all released from Aba prison after serving their jail term on a similar offence.” On how the suspects operated, the police said: “They all confessed to the crime, and explained their various roles in the gang as follows; While Amado Kenedy, Igilegbe Chinendu and Nwaorie Moses, are the operational members, whose responsibility was to snatch the vehicle. “Godfrey Ntosi, Chinedu Agwu , Ejiofor Egwe and Eze Obinwanne who are all Artisans, is saddled with the responsibility of rebranding the snatched vehicle, removal of tracking and security devices installed in the vehicle, as well as sales of any such vehicle. Moreover, the arrangement is at the advance stage to transfer them to Abia state for further investigations and prosecution.”

South-east, south-west and north will be biggest losers if Nigeria breaks

By Fredrick Nwabufo The idea of having a near-perfect country out of a ruptured Nigeria is illusory. The composite parts of the country each contribute to the miasma of confusion that Nigeria is. No single entity is responsible for Nigeria’s problems. All the ethnic nationalities are equal shareholders in the failing of the Nigerian enterprise. There is enough blame to go around. Splintering the entity has often been exalted as the remedy to Nigeria’s problems. But this is a defective reasoning because in this instance, Nigeria is defined by its geography and not its people. Nigeria is its people. It is the same people that will occupy the emergent states not angels. There is no paradise anywhere. The problem with Nigeria is a people-problem. Recalibrating the map will not change anything – if the minds of the people do not conform to progressive values. The assumption that there will be ‘’divine concordance’’ if Nigeria breaks up according to regional lines is obtuse. That a people speak a common language does not put a stamp of camaraderie on group relationship. In the south-east for instance, there is native discrimination among people of the same region. Some are regarded as ‘’impure Igbo breeds’’ while others consider themselves as ‘’true Igbo scions’’. There are areas sons of certain states are advised not to tread in search of love. Also, it is quotidian among the Igbo to describe people from certain areas in Ebonyi with the pejorative of ‘’wah awah’’ – ‘’impure breeds’’. And there is a deep gulf among classes on the social ladder in the region. So, what will change if, for example, there is a south-east state as some are campaigning for? Will the present social order be inverted? Will the internecine hate and wrangling dissipate? Well, for sure I think the current revulsion that some have for the entity ‘’Nigeria’’ will be reserved for the emergent state. Elite corruption and abuse will still dominate the polity because the new order will be from the same predatory gene-pool. Non-ethnic predation will give way for ethnic predation because at the end of day class struggle is not resolved by the unity of language, religion or culture. There is a classical example of a country in Africa steeped in economic and civil crisis after breaking away from the motherboard. The case of oil-rich South-Sudan rings a familiar bell. Today, South-Sudan is one of the poorest countries on the surface of the earth despite its oil wealth. All the hoopla and gyrations that followed the country’s severance from Sudan soon gave way for tears, sorrow and blood. As of 2019, 400,000 citizens have been killed in the South-Sudan crisis. Four million refugees created and 1.8 million people internally displaced. The cause of these tragedies boils down to power struggle among the elite who quickly mobilised themselves behind the emergent state to capture power. A country fabled to be a lodestar in Africa and which was to be a compelling argument for splintering ‘’artificially created’’ states on the continent is now a functional example of why breaking up countries in Africa is not expedient. An often parroted argument for Nigeria’s dissolution is that the country is an inorganic fabrication of the British. True, but so are many countries on the planet, yet they are thriving and working according to a common purpose. Most countries in the world were created by accidents of history. It is nearly impossible to find a homogenous country. The problem with Nigeria, as we all know, is that we are yet to have a people’s leadership or as Chinua Achebe puts it, a leader “humbled by the trust placed on him by the people’’ and ‘’willing to use the power given to him for the good of the people’’. We are stronger together. This is not a platitude but a fact. 90 percent of wealth of the Igbo is not warehoused in the south-east. The Igbo are a peripatetic people gifted with extraordinary entrepreneurial abilities. They are among the most financially fortunate Nigerians. Nigeria and beyond are their trading arcade. They are in every nook, cranny and crevices in the country. It is unarguable that a united Nigeria is a more viable emporium for the Igbo than a fragmented Nigeria. It will not be the same for the business-minded Igbo with new states emerging from the wreck of Nigeria – the emergent states will certainly want to put up hedges that will protect their own people against outsiders. Where does that leave Chukwuma who has billions of naira worth of investments doting the north and the south-west? The same theory applies to the north of which economy thrives on agriculture. Nigeria with its bubbling population is a consumer paradise for the agricultural produce of the north. In addition, there are bountiful benefits for the north from Nigeria’s oil wealth. The south-west as well cannot subsist as an island. It needs the commerce of the Igbo, the endowments of the north, and rich cultural and material resources of other groups to blossom. We need each other. Our diversity should count for something. It should be our strength. We will be the biggest losers if the Nigerian enterprise is liquidated. We must make Nigeria work. By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo is a writer and journalist Twitter @FredrickNwabufo