The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has debunked reports of a helicopter crash in Kaduna on Monday, 1st July 2024.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Monday, said, “Be informed that no helicopter crash occurred. Instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base.”
The statement explained that since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground.
“Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap,” the statement added.
He stressed that Nigerians can be rest assured that the minor setback would not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations.
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged.
“This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principle of developmental journalism, balanced reporting and fairness,” the statement further noted.
The NAF spokesman urged the media to always seek clarification from relevant authorities before reporting issues concerning the military.
No helicopter crash in Kaduna – Nigerian Air Force
No helicopter crash in Kaduna – Nigerian Air Force
Court frees 12 Ajayi Crowther varsity students facing murder charge
Twelve out of the 25 students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, for alleged murder were on Monday discharged.
On June 5, 25 students of the institution were arraigned and charged with conspiracy, murder and negligence.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, had ordered the students to be remanded in a correctional facility in Ibadan, pending the outcome of legal advice.
The 12 discharged students are Kehinde Martins, Samuel Okorie, Mustapha Khalid, Yusuf Adeniran, Joseph Areoye, Iyanuoluwa Oyelakin, Obaloluwa Olalekan, Emmanuel Adejumobi, John Daudu, Moses Abiola, Hammad Tijani and David Kolawole.
Ogunkanmi, while discharging them, held that the legal advice was out and indicated that the 12 students should not be charged with any offence as there was no evidence linking any of them with the offences alleged to have been committed.
One of the 25 defendants, who is a security guard at the university, Femi Oladoye, earlier charged with negligence of duty, was also granted bail in the sum of N250,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Ogunkanmi, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 8 for mention.
Earlier, the prosecutor, CSP Funke Fawole, had told the court that the defendants committed the offences on May 24 at about 9 p.m. at the aforementioned university.
Fawole said that the defendants unlawfully caused the death of one 22-year-old Jefry Akro, a student of the university, by beating him with planks and electrical wire.
She said that Oladoye, as a security guard, however, failed to prevent the aggrieved students from beating Akro to death.
She said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 515 and 324 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
(NAN)
Internet subscriptions reach 164 million as voice users drop by 3%
Nigeria’s telecom sector saw a surge in internet subscriptions to 164 million in Q1 2024, while voice users dropped 3 per cent, the National Bureau of Statistics said.
NBS Telecom Data report released on Monday, revealed, that “the total number of active voice subscribers in Q1 2024 was 219,304,281 from the 226,161,713 reported in Q1 2023, indicating a growth rate of –3.03 per cent. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, active voice subscribers fell by 2.41 per cent.
“Also, in Q1 2024, the total number of active internet subscribers stood at 164,368,292 from 157,551,104 reported in Q1 2023, showing an increase of 4.33 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis, this grew by 0.32 per cent,” it added.
According to the Bureau, Lagos State led in both categories with 25.96 million active voice subscribers and 18.84 million active internet subscribers.
Ogun and Kano followed closely behind in internet subscriptions, with 9.53 million and 9.07 million, respectively, while Bayelsa recorded the lowest figures in both voice and internet users.
The report noted that MTN solidified its market lead in Q1 2024, commanding the largest share of subscriptions.
The telecom giant recorded 81.8 million voice subscribers and 69.4 million internet users. Globacom followed closely in second place, with 62.2 million voice subscribers and 44.4 million internet users.
Airtel came in third, with 63.4 million voice subscribers and 46.8 million internet users. 9mobile trailed behind, with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users.
Mauritania’s President, Ghazouani, wins re-election
Mauritania’s incumbent President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has comfortably won re-election with 56.12 per cent of the vote, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) said Monday.
The victory gives the former army chief a second term as head of the vast desert country, seen as a rock of relative stability in Africa’s volatile Sahel region and set to become a gas producer.
Ghazouani would have faced a second round had he not won more than half the votes in Saturday’s election. As it was, he placed well ahead of his main rival, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who won 22.10 per cent, according to results announced by CENI chief Dah Ould Abdel Jelil.
Abeid said Sunday he would not recognise the results of CENI, which he accused of being manipulated by the government.
Ghazouani’s other main rival, Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, who heads the Islamist Tewassoul party, came third with 12.78 per cent, according to CENI.
“We did everything we could to prepare the conditions for a good election and we were relatively successful,” said the head of the electoral commission.
Mauritanians began voting Saturday to decide whether to re-elect Ghazouani.
Around 1.9 million registered voters chose between seven candidates vying to lead the West African nation, which has largely withstood a tide of jihadism in the region and is set to become a gas producer.
A 2019 election brought Ghazouani to power as the nation’s ninth president, marking the first transition between two elected presidents since independence from France in 1960 and a series of coups from 1978 to 2008.
While the Sahel has in recent years seen a string of military coups and escalating jihadism, particularly in Mali, Mauritania has not experienced an attack since 2011.
Ghazouani, 67, is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the West African state’s relative security.
– ‘Remain attentive’ –
Saturday’s presidential election had an overall turnout of 55.39 per cent, lower than in 2019.
The results had trickled in since Saturday evening and were published continuously on an official online platform, indicating the outcome.
“We will only recognise our own results, and therefore we will take to the streets” to refuse the electoral commission count, opponent Abeid said.
Some of his supporters demonstrated in the capital Nouakchott late Sunday, burning tyres and disrupting traffic.
At the end of the afternoon, Abeid’s campaign headquarters were surrounded by security forces, according to an AFP journalist. His campaign manager was arrested, a spokesman said.
The police presence in the capital increased significantly later in the evening.
Islamist candidate El Moctar said Saturday that he would “remain attentive” to any breach of voting regulations while calling on his supporters to steer clear of anything that could create public disorder.
Ghazouani has made helping the young a key priority in a country of 4.9 million people, where almost three-quarters are aged under 35.
After a first term hit by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the incumbent says he hopes to make more reforms thanks to a favourable economic outlook.
Growth should average 4.9 per cent (3.1 per cent per capita) for the period 2024-2026, according to the World Bank, spurred by the launch of gas production in the second half of this year.
Inflation has fallen from a peak of 9.5 per cent in 2022 to 5 per cent in 2023 and should continue to slow to 2.5 per cent in 2024.
AFP
NSCDC plans security training for 10,000 school principals
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced plans to train 10,000 school principals across the country on personal security and school protection measures.
The initiative was unveiled by the corps’ Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, as contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Monday.
Audi, at the annual conference of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, emphasised the importance of strengthening the security framework of schools and their host communities amidst rising security challenges.
The CG represented by the Commander, National Safe School Response Coordination Centre, Hammed Abodunrin, said the initiative aims to empower school leaders with the necessary skills and confidence to respond to security threats effectively.
He assured that the NSCDC has put comprehensive plans in place to ensure the programme’s success, stressing the need for a collective effort to safeguard schools.
The training, offered at no cost, will cover personal security, hostile environment awareness training, child protection skills, information management, emergency response, and first aid, according to Abodunrin.
“ANCOPSS only needs to make their members available and provide venues such as their secretariats or school auditoriums.
“Since it is practically impossible to bring 10,000 participants together at a time; any state that is ready should invite the centre and give dates for the training,” he said.
Abodunrin explained that the training would follow a ‘Train the Trainers’ approach, allowing principals to return to their schools and train other teachers.
The Federal Government, in March 2024, said schools in Borno, Benue, Sokoto and 11 others, were at risk of attacks by bandits and insurgents.
Hiding a case of child defilement is a criminal offence – Police warn parents
The Delta State Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, has stated that it’s a criminal offense to conceal a case of child defilement.
Edafe gave the warning while enlightening the public about the consequence of child defilement.
Speaking in a post on his X handle, he noted that parents who cover defilement will be charged to court for aiding and abetting.
“A sexual intercourse with either a girl or boy under the age of 13 years is defilement, and the punishment if found guilty is life imprisonment. Section 218 CC.
“In this case, consent is immaterial and such offences cannot be compounded. So, swearing to an affidavit in court won’t work. In fact, any parent who tries to cover defilement could be charged to court for aiding and abetting.”
Hiding a case of child defilement is a criminal offence – Police warn parents
25 die in Kano crash
Twenty-five passengers have been confirmed dead with several others injured in a road accident in Kano, Kano State on Monday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the accident in a statement on Monday.
Abdullahi said the accident occurred at Dangwaro International Market on the outskirts of Kano city.
The passengers, who were said to be travelling from Maiduguri to the southern part of the country, were reportedly loaded in a trailer alongside cows when the incident happened.
The trailer collided with another vehicle and somersaulted several times.
Abdullahi said the accident involved a trailer (IVECO) with registration number XA 311 ZB.
“We received a call at about 03:15 am on 1 July 2024. On receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our personnel and a vehicle to the scene of the incident to rescue the victims at 03:30 am,” Ibrahim said.
The sector commander said the accident occurred due to excessive speed, dangerous driving, and overloading, which led to a loss of control.
He explained that during the rescue operation, items recovered included six motorcycles, ten mobile phones, animals (goats and rams), maize, and N400,000 cash.
Abdullahi disclosed that all the recovered items had been handed over to the police.
“All the victims were immediately conveyed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano for urgent medical attention.
“The doctors on duty confirmed 25 of the victims dead,” he said.
He warned motorists against the unsafe practice of transporting animals and goods alongside human beings.
On Friday, 14 worshippers were killed in another accident after a trailer rammed into worshippers at the Juma’at mosque in the Kura local government area of the state.
Deschamps set for tactical changes in Euro 24
Two pre-tournament favourites, France and Belgium, are set to face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Round of 16 match today, with both teams looking to overcome their underwhelming performances in the group stage.
France, widely tipped to win the tournament, struggled to live up to expectations.
Despite their wealth of talent, Les Bleus only managed to finish second in their group, with a narrow win against Austria and draws against Holland and Poland.
In response to their lacklustre showing, France manager Didier Deschamps is reportedly planning a tactical shake-up.
“Deschamps is set to switch to a 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond tonight in a bid to spark the French,” The Standard, UK, report suggest.
This untested formation aims to position key players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe in their preferred roles.
Meanwhile, L’Equipe journalist Pierre-Etienne Minonzio highlighted the team’s struggles, stating, “This team has tactical problems and, other than Mbappe, the attacking players have not been good.”
He added, “There is huge disappointment in France. It’s comparable to England: a gap between what was expected and the content of games.”
Despite their offensive woes, France’s defence has remained solid, conceding only one penalty so far. Arsenal’s William Saliba has been a standout performer, alongside N’Golo Kante and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Minonzio expressed cautious optimism about France’s chances, noting, “Deschamps is the world master of knockout games, but [the route to the final] seems too complicated for us this time. France can only win the Euros if Mbappe is like [Michel] Platini was in 1984,” referring to Platini’s extraordinary nine-goal performance in Euro 84.
On the other side, Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ faces what could be their last chance at international glory. The Red Devils have also underperformed, drawing criticism from their own supporters after a goalless draw with Ukraine in their final group match.
The match will be played on Monday at 17:00 (Nigerian time).
Drug Abuse: NANS seeks collaboration with NDLEA
To combat the problem of drug abuse among youths in the society, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called for collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
The collaboration according to the student body is to address issues of drug abuse and trafficking among youths.
The student body led by the NANS National Senate Clerk, Abdulyekinn Oduanyo, NANS Chairman Ogun JCC, Francis Adeyanju, NAOSS Global President, Kehinde Thomas, among others made the call on Monday during a visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the student leaders, Oduanyo said the abuse of drugs calls for urgent action due to the large number of mad youths roaming the streets.
The NANS Senate Clerk harped on the need for the agency to expand its awareness efforts into campuses and communities through student leaders.
He said, “I can confirm that the NDLEA has been doing so well when it comes to enforcement but most of the students on campus are not aware, and most of our friends, sisters, and brothers at home are not aware. I think the NDLEA can do better by extending an awareness campaign into our campuses and communities through the student leaders to our friends and family at home.
“We have a very large number of mad people roaming the streets. Everything is not a spiritual problem, most of this is caused by the illicit use of drugs and they are most times influenced by their friends.”
While lamenting that most Nigerian youths have turned the abuse of drugs into a daily lifestyle, Oduanyo underlined the importance of addressing the problem from the root.
“So apart from arresting those involved I feel the agency should be able to curb these acts directly from the source because those buying it are not the source or problem, those selling are also not the problem but where is it coming from? Who are those distributing these drugs?
“And we the Nigerian student leaders are ready to cooperate and collaborate with the NDLEA to take the campaign out of our campuses and the state,” he added.
Responding, the NDLEA State Commander, Tijjani Rabe, represented by the Deputy State Commander, Ekundayo Williams, said the Command in 2023 destroyed about three farms and arrested over 3,000 suspects.
Williams, however, expressed the Command’s willingness to collaborate and work with the student leaders.
“If we are to go by enforcement alone we have been doing it, just last year alone NDLEA destroyed about three farms in Ogun State here and about 10 suspects were arrested. We have been arresting dealers but these dealers work on roasters, if we pick a particular dealer out of the street you would see another in the next hour.
“Between January to this time over 3,000 suspects were arrested in the Command here and we have convictions.
“So we are ready to collaborate with you because awareness is key and we want to protect the youths rather than go about arresting them,” he said.
Drug Abuse: NANS seeks collaboration with NDLEA
Nigeria’s capital importation rose by 210% in Q1 2024
The National Bureau of Statistics has disclosed that the nation’s capital importation rose by 210% in the first quarter of 2024.
The report, which was released on Monday, noted that the total importation into the country stood at $3,376.01 million, higher than $1,132.65m recorded in Q1 2023 thereby indicating an increase of 198.06%.
When compared to Q4 last year, the national importation value rose by 210.16% from $1,088.48m.
This, the bureau said, owes to the high Portfolio Investment valued at “$2,075.59m, accounting for 61.48%; followed by Other Investment with $1,181.25m, accounting for 34.99%. Foreign Direct Investment recorded the least with $119.18m (3.53%) of total capital importation in Q1 2024.”
The NBS statement partly read, “The banking sector recorded the highest inflow with $2,067.44m, representing 61.24% of total capital imported in Q1 2024, followed by the Trading sector, valued at $494.93M (14.66%), and Production/Manufacturing sector with $191.92M (5.68%).
“Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc received the highest capital importation into Nigeria in Q1 2024 with $1,257.38m (37.24%), followed by Citibank Nigeria Limited with $547.71m (16.22%) and Rand Merchant Bank Plc with $528.73 (15.66%).”
Also, the report noted that “out of the three states that recorded capital importation during the quarter, Lagos State remained the top destination with $2,782.41m, accounting for 82.42% of the total capital imported. Abuja (FCT) followed with $593.58m (17.58%), and Ekiti State with $0.01m.”
– Top importation sources –
Nigeria’s capital importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $1,805.83m, showing 53.49% of the total capital imported.
This was followed by Republic of South Africa with $582.34m (17.25%) and the Cayman Islands with $186.21m (5.52%).