Crime Facts

Key Takeaways From Harris, Trump Debate

Ex-U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced each other on the debate stage Tuesday night for the first. The race is tight between the two candidates. Among registered voters, Harris leads Trump by 1 point — 49% to 48% — according to the latest PBS/NPR/Marist poll. That result falls within the margin of error. The ABC debate marks the first face-to-face meeting between Harris, 59, and Trump, 78. Here are the top takeaways from the fierce debate: Threats to democracy Harris was a prosecutor for a dozen years, first as San Francisco district attorney and then as California’s attorney general. A central component of Harris’ campaign has been portraying Trump as a threat to democracy. During the debate, Harris highlighted Trump’s status as a convicted felon. Trump replied with the unsubstantiated accusation that Harris and the Biden administration are “weaponizing” the government to prosecute him When asked by the moderator whether Trump would acknowledge that he lost the 2020 presidential election, he replied with the false claim that he actually won the election. On the Jan. 6 insurrection, Trump said, “I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech.” “It’s time to turn the page,” Harris said. “There is a place in our campaign for you to stand for our country, to stand for democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos and to end the approach that is about attacking the foundations of our democracy,” she added. Immigration issueImmigration has been one of the biggest issues in this presidential campaign. Throughout the debate, Trump lambasted the Biden administration’s handling of immigration – often when the moderators asked questions unrelated to immigration. Trump repeated his false claims that immigrants are “taking over the towns. They’re taking over buildings. They’re going in violently.” He also cited baseless conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating pet dogs and cats. Harris criticized Trump for killing a bipartisan bill earlier this year that would have put 1,500 more border agents on the U.S. southern border. Harris has said she would support the bill. Economy The economy was the debate’s first topic, with Harris saying she wants to create an “opportunity economy.” She cited her plan to increase the tax credit for starting new small businesses from $5,000 to $50,000. “I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class,” she said, adding that Trump wants to help the rich with tax cuts. Trump has said he will further reduce the corporate tax rate from the current 21% to 15%. Harris wants to increase the rate to 28%. It was 35% before Trump’s 2017 tax bill. Trump spent much of his answer on the economy talking about immigration. However, he also said he created one of the best economies in the United States, without offering specifics, and that he will do it again. “Look, we’ve had a terrible economy, because inflation, which is really known as a country buster,” Trump said. Abortion debate Trump and Harris grew increasingly combative when debating the question of abortion. As president, Trump appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who helped form the majority that overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. That decision laid the groundwork for states to impose restrictive rules on abortion around the country. “The Supreme Court had great courage in doing it,” Trump said during the debate. When asked if he would support a national abortion ban, he said: “No, I’m not in favor of abortion ban. But it doesn’t matter because this issue has now been taken over by the states.” He also said he would not oppose abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk. He also falsely claimed that Democrats support abortions “after birth.” In response, Harris emphasized the importance of women’s reproductive rights. “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” she said. She added that she would support Congress passing a bill to codify federal abortion protections and, as president, sign it into law. Russia-Ukraine WarMore than two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Republicans are wary of offering more aid, while Democrats largely support bolstering Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. That division was visible on Tuesday’s debate stage. On the subject of Ukraine, the two candidates did not appear to be on the same page. While Trump said he would push for a deal to end the conflict, Harris stressed the need to support Ukrainian forces to push back against the Russian invasion. Asked whether the US should continue its push for Ukraine to win the war, Trump said: “I think it’s in the US’s best interest to get this war finished and just get it done and negotiate a deal because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed.” Trump argued that the lack of leadership in the Biden administration allowed Russia to invade Ukraine. Harris slammed the former president’s reluctance to pledge full-fledged support for Ukraine, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be in Kyiv by now if Trump were in office. “Understand, our European allies — NATO allies — are so thankful that you are no longer president and that we understand the importance of the greatest military the world has known, which is NATO,” she said. “The reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up.” ‘Harris hates Israel’ claim In addition to domestic policy, the moderators also pressed Harris and Trump on foreign policy issues, including the ongoing wars between Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Hamas. On the Israel-Hamas war, Harris said the United States would defend Israel. She added that

Lawyer Asks Court To Stop Egbetokun From Parading Himself As IGP

An Abuja based lawyer and human rights activist, Maxwell Opara, has dragged President Bola Tinubu and Mr Kayode Egbetokun to a Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to stop Egbetokun from parading himself as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police. The Lawyer is also asking the court to declare that Egbetokun cannot remain in office as Inspector General of Police having attained the age of 60 on the fourth of September, 2024. Opara equally asked the court to hold that an appointment terminated by operation of law cannot be retroactively resurrected by a subsequent amended law. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. In a statement signed by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, the ploice said President Bola Tinubu did not extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. He said that instead, the President gave his approval to the law governing the tenure of the office as required. “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, and wishes to categorically state that what President Bola Tinubu approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP,” the statement read. “Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council.

Maiduguri Flood: FG Begins Evacuation, Opens IDP Camps For Residents In Affected Communitie

The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of residents of the affected communities in the flooding that has ravaged Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. A statement by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday, said it is also working on the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance for the victims. The unfortunate flooding situation in the Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, which started last weekend and increased in the early hours of Monday, 9th September 2024, resulted from excess water from the Alau Dam. One of the spillways of Alau Dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow downstream and exacerbating the flooding in surrounding areas. The areas impacted by the incident include Shehuri, parts of the Government Residential Area (G.R.A.), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market and Gwange. As a result, NEMA said the Borno State Government has opened up Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood. “We are working, alongside the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, in providing humanitarian assistance to the distressed in the camp,” the statement read partly. NEMA’s response came after President Tinubu ordered the Agency to immediately swing into action, and assist the flood victims. Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the flooding. Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that lost their loved ones and means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alo Dam. Channels Television had reported how the floods displaced many in the state, and millions of naira were lost to shut down of business activities, including schools. Major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri metropolis and parts of the Jere Local Government Area have been submerged by floodwaters. The Shehu’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo were also some of the public infrastructure submerged by flood. A prison wall located along the Custom area was broken by flood as some inmates allegedly drowned, while several others escaped for their lives. Major roads within the state capital including the Post-Office Roundabout which links major locations in the capital are flooded, cutting off vehicular movement within the metropolis. The Abbaganaram, Custom Road along which the flooded prison is located, Tashan Bama, Custom Road, Monday Market, Gamboru Market Custom Area, Cattle Market in old Maiduguri, Gwange area, Lagos Street are all communities affected by the flood. The Maiduguri Zoo’s popularity known as Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park was also flooded. According to the General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, 80% of the animals in the zoo have been killed by the flood while the others have escaped into the city capital. Thousands of residents living along waterways and flood-prone areas have been displaced, with the majority of them being women and children. While thousands of displaced persons have begun relocating to safer places within the metropolis and outside the state, many were as of Tuesday, seen taking refuge under trees on the major roads.

Bandits levy Zamfara villagers N30m

The people of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are in fear as the deadline given them by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to pay an imposed N30m levy expired. But reacting to the development on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the bandit kingpin as a deranged person, wowing that the military would soon capture him. The bandit kingpin, it was learnt, imposed the N30m levy on the community, following the killing of over 100 cows belonging to him by the military some weeks ago. In a message, he sent to the community, the dreaded bandit kingpin demanded that the community pay him N30m or face his wrath. He gave them up to Monday, September 9 but our correspondent learnt that the community had not been able to raise the funds, despite launching an appeal. The PUNCH gathered that some people were already fleeing the town. An indigene of the town, Sani Musa told The PUNCH on the phone that he had since last Monday evacuated his family and moved to Kaura-Namoda town. “I am quite sure that this terrible person and his men will soon attack our community because of the non-payment of the N30m. “We did our best to get the money but due to economic hardship, we were not able to get even half of the amount. “I was asked to give N20,000 as my own contribution but as I am talking to you now, I don’t have the amount. “I tried to sell my farm but nobody is interested in buying the land due to the security situation in the area.” Another indigene of the area, Zayyanu Hassan, expressed hopelessness, saying despite the threat of attack, he was too weak, because of age and ill health, to flee the community. “I don’t know where to go because of my age and health condition. I will remain here despite the threat from Bello Turji,” Hassan said. According to Hassan, there are many people like him who are unable to flee the community despite the threat of attack. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, vowed that the military would put an end to the imposition on levies on citizens by non-state actors, such as bandits. Musa said, “On the issue of Turji, as I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it’s just a matter of time. It is a matter of time; we’re going to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time. We’re going to address that issue on the issue of payment of levy (to bandits).” The CDS said it had been found that bandits live on the money they levy on innocent citizens but said the military would end the menance. “One, even when they get the money, they don’t have a way to use it. Two is that the money they’re getting, they know, is blood money. And that is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.” He said the support received by the bandits from residents was fuelling their activities. Musa said, “Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.” Musa stated that the operations in the North-West have harmonised after it was reviewed. He said, “We have reviewed the entire operation and realised that we need to harmonise our operations together. As you notice, we have Operation Hadrin Daiji and Operation Whirl Stroke, both within the Northwest region. We have seen the need for us to harmonize those operations into one operation like we did in the Northeast where you have operation Hadin Kai. “The same thing is being done now for the North-West operation. We have one unified operation. It’s going to be called Operation Kasar Yamma, which is securing the North-West. “Now the intention is to ensure that we synergise all our efforts in addressing the security challenges in the North-West. So now, what we are doing is that since we are harmonising the whole operation, we will come under one commander. And then the commander will be able to utilise all the equipment and troops together to ensure that we address this critically. And I think that’s the best solution we have for it. And I can assure you, all the assets that are required to do that will be done.” He CDS appealed to the citizens to stop giving support to bandits, lamenting that locals invited the bandits to attack the troops’ armoured vehicles when they broke down. Musa said, “The bandits intend to just show that they are present. And that’s why we’re appealing to Nigerians not to provide any support. If you remember, the last time we had this issue where our APC was, the MRAP was bogged down, and the terrorists came. It was some people who called them and told them that the troops were having issues with their vehicle and they should come around. And they came en masse. That was what exactly happened. And that’s why we’re appealing to individuals.”

Court grants 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters bail

Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arrested and detained for treason among others, to a bail in the sum of N10m each and one surety in like sum. While delivering the ruling, the trial judge held that Nigeria’s criminal justice system has its stipulations for the prosecutor and the defendant. Justice Nwite, agreed with the argument of the 1st 2nd, and 4th defendants’ counsel, Abubakar Marshall, “that anybody charged with a criminal offence must be presumed innocent until proven guilty”. On this note, he granted the bail application of all ten defendants. He said, “I have carefully considered the submission of the counsel on both divides. I hereby grant the defendants bail notwithstanding the crime. “The bail is hereby granted to the defendants applicant in the sum of N10m each and one surety in like some”. Details shortly…

DAILIES TOP STORIES: FG opens IDP camps as flood submerges 70% of Maiduguri

Wednesday 11 September 2024 Why NNPC may not lift Dangote petrol on Sunday S’West govs to spend N266bn on airport projects 10,000 new recruits for deployment Feb 2025 – Police Army still searching for missing weapons in Okuama – GOC Obi drums support for Akpata in Edo Brent Crude Falls Below $70 Per Barrel Ajaero: Presidency Rejects Rights Violation Claims By UK TUC Petrol Subsidy Removed To Provide Resources For Infrastructure Investments — Tinubu One Killed, Others Injured In Bauchi Protest Shettima Visits Maiduguri, Sympathises With Flood Victims Money Laundering: Prosecution Of Bank Executives To Commence Soon — EFCC Ajaero: Oppressive Control Under Tinubu Surpasses Military Dictatorship — Atiku CDS: We’ll capture Bello Turji — it’s just a matter of time Nigeria’s crude oil production increased to 1.35m bpd in August, says OPEC FG’s revenue increased to N9.1trn in Q1 2024, says Wale Edun Ajaero: Nobody is above the law — FG Tinubu’s Policies Have Increased Hardship – APC NiMet predicts heavy rainfall in Bauchi, Niger, Bayelsa, nine others Protesters storm Delta NAFDAC office over Prophet Fufeyin Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Report: Over 170 killed during Boko Haram attack of Yobe community

At least 170 villagers were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Mafa village, Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe, on September 1, 2024. Eyewitnesses said the death toll was a lot higher than the 34 handed by government officials. The attack was said to have been executed by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter Boko Haram group. New York Times quoted Mai-Bano Kenembu, Mafa community head; and Ibrahim Hassan, a farmer who helped recover missing bodies; as saying that at least 170 villagers were killed during the attack. Residents of Mafa village had fled the community in late July. However, they returned after a government official told them it was safe to do so, Kenembu told the publication. “Government assured us that everything was okay and nothing was going to happen,” the community head said. However, the official named by the community head denied asking the villagers to return. The ISWAP fighters also left a note at the scene of the attack, listing purported grievances against the community. Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, had reported that the attack occurred during Magrib prayer, when the gunmen shot sporadically into the gathering. The gunmen also laid multiple explosives on the path to the village as a snare for military vehicles. Intelligence sources told Makama that the attack was a likely reprisal for the community’s failure to pay terrorist dues. Dungus Abdulkarim, Yobe police spokesperson, said the insurgents looted and set shops and houses ablaze during the attack. Abdulkarim said the gunmen killed an unspecified number of people, adding that the insurgents also dropped some fliers with Arabic inscriptions. Days after the attack, the Yobe state government conducted a mass burial of the casualties.

Flooding: ‘200 inmates missing’ in Maiduguri prison

At least 200 inmates have reportedly escaped from the Maiduguri correctional centre following severe flooding in the capital city on Tuesday. On Tuesday, residents of Maiduguri were overtaken by floods following the collapse of the Alau dam, which has been at full capacity for the past few weeks. The dam, which last collapsed on September 13, 1994, displaced about 400,000 residents. Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted security sources as confirming the incident. The publication said the floodwaters ravaged the facility’s security, damaged barriers, and weakened its structure, leading to the escape of the inmates. Makama said authorities have launched a manhunt to locate and recapture the escapees.

Gunmen Kill Three, Injure Five in Anambra

At least three people were killed and five others injured when unidentified gunmen attacked the Isionye community, which borders Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. Reports indicate that the armed assailants, disguised as land buyers, lured their victims to the site before launching their brutal attack. Local sources revealed that the incident occurred late Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the community as multiple gunshots rang out. One eyewitness recounted, “Unidentified gunmen invaded our community in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government, this evening, killing several people. They arrived in a Sienna vehicle, posing as potential land buyers. “None of us sensed the danger until they drew their weapons and began firing. Those who had escorted them to the land were shot, and many residents who panicked and ran were wounded by the gunfire.” Confirming the incident on Tuesday, Anambra State Police spokesman Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga stated that police had recovered the vehicle abandoned by the attackers and were actively investigating the incident. Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an investigation into the murder of three individuals and the serious injury of five others on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. on Isionye land, near the boundary between Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia. “Preliminary reports suggest that the victims were deceived into coming to the land under the pretense of a real estate transaction before being assaulted with firearms and machetes. “The Commissioner of Police has urged the community to remain calm as police operatives work to identify the killers. “The testimony of the injured victims, who are currently receiving medical treatment, is aiding the investigation, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the morgue. “Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”

DSS Releases Ajaero’s Passport

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the passport of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Daily Trust can confirm. Some of labour leaders, who confided in our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja, said the secret police did not find anything incriminating against Ajaero. Daily Trust had reported that the DSS bowed to pressure from various quarters on Monday when it released the labour leader on bail a few minutes to the ultimatum given by the NLC.