The Federal Government, on Wednesday, revealed that it is set to send a Nigerian citizen to space, 25 years after the country began space exploration.
This was disclosed by the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr Mathew Adepoju at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: TechNigeria: A weekly digest of what went down in Nigeria’s tech space
According to Adepoju, the federal government signed a Memorandum of Understanding in a collaboration between NASRDA and the Space Exploration and Research Agency.
The NASRDA DG said: “This collaboration, which is coming to the country, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of Space Exploration journey and opens new opportunities for scientific research and technological advancement.”
Details coming…
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JUST IN: Nigeria’s space agency set to send first citizen into space
Lawyer Writes AGF, IGP, Alleges Assasination Attempt by Asabe Waziri, Police Officials
An Abuja based Human Rights Lawyers, Barrister Victor Giwa, has written the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, over allegation of assassination attempt against him.
The lawyer in a petition to the AGF and the IGP dated June 19, 2024, which he personally signed, said there were plans to implicate him with trump up charges, detain him in police custody and poison him.
According to the petition, obtained by our correspondent, Barrister Giwa, specifically, pointed accusing finger CSP Francis Mega as the officer working with Asabe on the plot.
He is seeking the intervention and protection of the AGF and the IGP against the plot to keep him in detention.
Barrister Giwa said in the petition, “Sir, I seek to draw your attention to the concluded plot and plans by one ASABE WAZIRI in conjunction with some police officers using one CSP Francis Mega to eliminate me either by arranging my detention in the police cell or using some ‘’arranged’’ judicial officers and magistrate to keep me in correctional center with the intention of poisoning my food while in custody. ”
In the petition, he narrated the events that led to the alleged plot.
According to him, the plot was as a result of his fierce stand against Asabe in connivance with some police officers to forcefully take over a disputed property in 1Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja, binging to his client.
He said both his client and Asabe entered into a transaction on the purchase of two flats at a discounted rate of N260,000,000 at N130, 000,000 per flat, and that full payment be made withing one year of taken possession.
He said after Asabe deposited the sum of N50,000,000 and she was given possession of the two flats with the keys, subject to a formal contract on completion of payment, on taking possession of the flats the said she became a threat to other occupants of the premises, the whole occupiers of the flats were greeted with daily troubles.
“Such that sometimes in December, 2021, when Asabe Waziri was refused by the management of the property to paint her common area with a different colour of paint from the original white colour in line with the terms of the apartment, Asabe forcefully brought in two bouncers who forcefully entered into the premises with a painter, a brawl started and the apartment’s lawyer that came to inquire about the incident was beaten and his shirt torn to pieces on the instruction of Asabe Waziri.
“The case was reported to Maitama police station and an FIR was raised against Asabe but before she was taken to court one DIG Zaki (Rtd) made a call to the DPO of the Maitama Police and the case was suspected”, he said
He also said in the petition, the “After several attempt to forcefully gain access to the premises, the latest was on the 15th June 2024, Asabe Waziri has now conspired with one CSP Francis Mega and some other police officers to arrange my detention in the Cell or possible set up a trump up charge against me with some arranged courts to put me in custody and poison me.
“A voice record of the plot was sent to my phone on Saturday by unknown person.
“Following this development, my Life is no longer safe as Asabe Waziri who always boast of her all the connection and control of persons in the judiciary, DPP and police institution to carry out her threat and her bid and she has shown such capability and connection as police officers are constantly doing her bidding threatening my arrest and detention and arranging my arraignment in court.
“I therefore seek the following prayers:
That ASABE WAZIRI be investigated and arrested for her plot to kill me
That compromise of police officers, investigators judicial officers and officers of the Department of Public prosecution (DPP) Police protection for me against Asabe Wazi and her cohorts”.
Kogi Assembly approves recruitment of 1050 hunters
The Kogi State House of Assembly has approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
The Assembly gave the approval during the house plenary on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.
A letter was said to have been forwarded to the State Assembly requesting approval of the recruitment of 50 hunters each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
The letter was sent to the House by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Deedat.
After reading the letter at the hallow chamber, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf noted that it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that given the security challenges in the State, and the shortage of manpower, there was a need for recruitment to take place.
In a voice vote, the legislators unanimously approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters, adding that, the payment of their salaries would be shouldered by the Caretaker Chairmen of the Local Government.
The According reports that the state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, while speaking shortly after Eid prayers at Okene Central praying ground on Sunday, promised to make the security of lives and property the top priority of his administration.
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Terry G explains why his collabo with Wizkid was taken down on music streaming platforms
Nigerian street hop singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi popularly known in music circles as Terry G has explained why his collaboration with Wizkid was taken down.
The ‘Free Madness’ crooner who opened up in a recent episode of the Afrobeats podcast revealed that Wizkid’s legal team contacted him to take down his song titled ‘Mary Jane’ across all digital streaming platforms.
But Terry G however acknowledged that he released the song—which seems to have been produced years ago—without first getting approval from Wizkid’s group.
READ ALSO: Singer Terry G explains why he is not married and may never consider it
The entertainer who was once the most sought-after music producer in the land further acknowledged during the interview that his approach was informal and also stated that in his era, collaborations were based on mutual respect and love.
“I didn’t clear the song I made with Wizkid [‘Mary Jane’] because, in my era, we don’t clear songs; we do collaborations based on love. The lawyers have reached out to me to take the song down,” he disclosed.
“To be honest, we’ve got to be professional and do paperwork. Because if that doesn’t work, nothing will work. So trust me, I have pulled down the song. For the platforms that are yet to take it down, I will make sure it is taken down on those platforms, too, soon.”
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FG plans military camp to tackle banditry in Sokoto
The Federal Government and Sokoto State Government have announced their partnership to intensify the fight against insecurity.
The state deputy governor, Idris Gobir, disclosed this while addressing a gathering at Sabon Fegi in Sabon Birni town on Tuesday.
Gobir described the move as part of measures to curtail insecurity in the state, maintaining that the state government is set to collaborate with the Federal Government in establishing a military camp in Sabon Birmi Local Government Area of the state.
He said, “A military camp will be established in one of the three towns experiencing frequent banditry attacks. The towns are Burkusuma, Dama, and Magira.”
He said consultation to that effect has reached an advanced stage, stressing that it would check the frequent attacks being carried out by bandits in the area.
The deputy governor therefore implored people of Sokoto East Senatorial District to shun fabricators of stories and rumour mongers of security issues in the area whom he described as unpatriotic.
While reiterating the commitment of Ahmad Aliyu -ed administration in the fight against banditry, he called on them to remain patriotic, united, and conscious in the fight against banditry.
In a statement signed by the Director Press, Deputy Governor’s Office, Garba Idris, he used the opportunity to announce that the contractor handling the construction of Tsululu Road in Sabon Birni would move to the site for the completion of the project.
He commended the people for their continued support for the government.
In their separate remarks, the Sole Administrator of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Alhaji Garba Kaba, and his Isa Local Government counterpart, Alhaji Isah Mohammed, said significant successes are being recorded in the fight against banditry in the zone.
According to them, the success has contributed to the reduction of the number of banditry attacks.
They, therefore, called for the sustenance of the efforts while acknowledging the state’s government and personal efforts of the deputy governor in confronting the situation.
I almost dumped music for lecturing
Popular Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, has said he chose Jesus Christ because he proclaimed, ‘I am the truth, the way, and the life.
He also revealed how he almost gave up his interest in music, relocated to America, and became a citizen of the United States.
Ayuba, in a chat with Teju Babyface on Tuesday, where he spoke about his career, religion, and marriage, disclosed that he and his band member travelled to America for their three-month summer show in 1995, but could not return to Nigeria due to threats from late military head of state, Sani Abacha.
The singer said he was threatened by the military government after he released an album advocating for the freedom of political detainees, particularly the late Moshood Abiola.
The Fuji star said while in the US, he enrolled in school and almost gave up interest in music to pursue a career in academics.
Ayuba said after Abacha’s demise, he returned to Nigeria to perform at the Benson and Hedges Concert in 1998.
“I left for America with my full band members in 1995 for a summer show and others. We came to America for about three months and then returned to Nigeria.
“I returned to Nigeria in 1998 when Abacha died. The three years I stayed in America were by the grace of God because he is a good planner.
“When I was in America, I realised that I could only perform shows on weekends. My Mondays to Fridays were free. So, I enrolled in school. That was where I met my wife.
“After that, I took part in a lot of activities. Doing so was like building another foundation in America. That was not easy. From there, I completed my documentation and became an American citizen.
“I don’t see myself continuing in Fuji music, I believe I have done well. This is America, there’s more to explore in life, trusting that God has a plan,” he said.
Speaking about his decision to convert from Islam to Christianity, Ayuba revealed that his decision was because he wanted “to be closer to God more than anything” but didn’t understand Arabic and was unable to pray in the language.
This, he said, prevented him from practising Islam, adding that he would always invite clerics to pray on his behalf.
He also said he was inspired by verses from the Bible quoting Jesus Christ as saying, “He is the way, truth, and life”.
Ayuba said the day he became a Christian was the happiest day of his life.
He explained that he prefers to worship where he “feels closest to God”, and that his choice of becoming a Christian “brings me happiness”.
“People claim Ayuba is a Muslim. Have they seen me in the mosque? If I were practising Islam, wouldn’t someone have noticed,” he said.
“Why is this an issue? Can they let me be? They say I should pray five times daily, but I’m not. My mother is an Alhaja, and although my father never went to Mecca, we practice Islam at home.
“So, my name is Ayub, which is Job in the Bible. It’s not that being a Muslim is good or bad. When I was practising Islam, I had to call some Chief Imams and Alfas to help me talk to God because I didn’t understand Arabic.
“I then asked myself, am I going to continue this, despite all that God has done for me, needing others to intercede on my behalf?
“There isn’t an album of mine where I haven’t referenced Muslim words. We all worship God. To me, religion is akin to education.
“I chose Jesus Christ because he proclaimed, ‘I am the truth, the way, and the life’. This is my personal choice, and it brings me happiness.
“Many of my band members are Muslims, and we pray together. I was unable to attend Arabic school due to my profession. I prefer to worship where I feel closest to my God.”
On his music career, Ayuba who said his parent were not favourably disposed to him going into music and entertainment, explained that he opted for Fuji music because the cost to acquire the instruments was invariably low compared to other kinds of music.
He said, “My parents didn’t want me to go close to entertainment talk less of singing because they believed once you’re doing this kind of thing, you would not be a good child anymore, you would be smoking, drinking and all atrocities. They come with that kind of business and I know that I have the talent.
“To acquire the instrument is just like peanuts, all you need is local drums, you don’t need a keyboard or guitar, so it’s easier to go into that kind of music. My parents were not ready to send me to music school. That was the reason I went into Fuji music.”
Asked if truly he almost lost interest in Fuji music, Ayuba confirmed, saying, “True, true true, particularly the kind of genre that I met myself singing Fuji. I’ve started developing a kind of interest in my education. From day one, if anybody asked me what would I wanted to become in life, I would love to become a lecturer or teacher. I can’t lie to you.
“I was thinking if I finished my bachelor’s degree, I would go for my master, and P.hD to be a lecturer. I don’t want the level of being a Fuji musician, I believe I’ve done well, and I’m OK, this is America, let me choose another line.”
Speaking of his dedication to marriage, Ayuba said he met his wife in America and remained committed to his union because he feared God and would live by His rule.
“Marriage is ordained by God and once you’ve decided to go into it, you obey the rules; the rules that come from God. They say, ‘The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom’, so if I do anything contrary to the rules of marriage, it will affect my career and everything. I’m not going to offend my wife, I’m not going to offend my God, that is it,” he said.
Ayuba released his first album, ‘Ibere (Beginning)’ in 1986, but said he began his music career as early as when he was seven years old.
The 59-year-old singer is famous for albums such as ‘Bubble’, ‘Turn Me On’, ‘Ijo Fuji’, and ‘Koloba Koloba’.
Lagos taxi driver fights off carjacker at knifepoint
In a daring and brave move, a Lagos taxi driver foiled a carjacking attempt early Wednesday morning.
According to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, a 35-year-old male passenger disguised himself as a fare-paying customer before attacking the driver with a knife.
The incident occurred around 1:20 am, as the driver picked up the suspect in the Chevron Area of Ajah. After traveling a distance, the suspect, while seated in the front passenger seat, allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to steal the Toyota Camry. A struggle ensued, resulting in the driver sustaining a deep cut on his hand.
He quoted the taxi driver as saying that the suspect requested that he take him to the Shrine in Agidigbi, Alausa area of Ikeja, and on conclusion on the fare, they both started the journey to the destination.
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Hundeyin said, “On getting to the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by 7UP Alausa Ikeja, the suspect, who was sitting beside him suddenly brought out a knife from his bag and attacked him in an attempt to snatch his Toyota Camry car.
“In the process, the driver sustained a deep knife cut on his hand while trying to struggle with the suspect.
“He quickly raised an alarm, and some good Nigerians came to his rescue, while the suspect took to his heels.
“However, after a hot chase, he was later arrested by the Anti-Crime team of the Alausa police division,” he said.
The driver, who remains unnamed, is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. The arrested suspect is in police custody, and investigations are ongoing, Hindeyin revealed.
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Again, court rejects Abba Kyari’s fresh bail request
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a fresh bail application the detained Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, filed to be released on bail, pending the conclusion of his trial.
Kyari is facing an eight-count charge bordering on drug trafficking brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The NDLEA alleged that Kyari and his men, sometime between January 19 and 25, 2022, at the office of Inspector-General of Police, IRT, Abuja, in connivance with one ASP John Umoru (now at large), ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu, unlawfully tampered with 21.25kilograms worth of cocaine that they seized from the two convicted drug traffickers- Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwane- even as it also accused them of dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.
The charge stated that this is contrary to section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the defendants
The court had, in two previous rulings, denied the defendant’s bail and ordered their remand at Kuje prison.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja also refused Kyari’s request for bail.
At today’s sitting, Justice Nwite, in a ruling, held that Kyari’s application lacked merit.
He stated that Kyari failed to establish any exceptional circumstance that would warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.
The trial judge said that the court had earlier dismissed a similar bail application that was brought before it and ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
He said no evidence was shown to convince the court why it should depart from its earlier ruling.
Justice Nwite rejected Kyari’s application and approved that the NLDEA, proceed with the prosecution of both Kyari and his co-defendants in the matter.
Recall that the court last month granted Kyari temporary bail from prison custody to enable him to participate in his mother’s final burial rites.
The court granted him N50m bail for two weeks and two sureties in like sum.
Previously, Kyari had filed an application to challenge the charge brought against him which the court on March 22, 2023, dismissed.
Kyari, through his team of lawyers led by Mr Nureni Jimoh (SAN), argued that the charge was legally defective and premature.
He added that the NDLEA ought to have allowed police to exhaust its internal machinery before filing the applications in court.
He claimed that the Police had already commenced an investigation into allegations against him and issued an interim report.
The defendant argued that he could only be charged to court upon the conclusion of the internal investigation by the police.
Russia presses U.S. for response on prisoner swap
In a move that could signal a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, Russian officials announced, on Wednesday, that they are awaiting a response from the United States on proposals for a prisoner swap.
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries, fueled by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This is coming days before American reporter Evan Gershkovich was set to face trial in Russia on espionage charges.
President Vladimir Putin said in February that talks on a prisoner swap involving Gershkovich were underway, but the Kremlin has not given any details on the progress of the negotiations.
Read Also: Fubara goes after former LG bosses, orders audit of councils’ accounts
“The ball is in the court of the United States, we are waiting for them to respond to the ideas that were presented to them,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state-run TASS news agency.
“They are well-known to the relevant parts of the U.S. administration. I understand that, perhaps, something in these ideas does not suit the Americans. That’s their problem,” he added.
The closed-doors trial against Gershkovich begins on June 26 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. He could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of spying.
Washington has previously accused Moscow of detaining American citizens on dubious charges and using them as bargaining chips for the release of Russians held in the United States. It remains unclear if the latest proposals address these concerns.
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Nnamdi Kanu seeks negotiation with FG
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has said he would seek negotiation with the Federal Government over his ongoing trial.
Kanu, speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that he would seek the negotiation under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
The Act states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.
Ejimakor had earlier moved two applications brought before the court. The first application is to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.
Kanu’s lawyer said if the applications are denied, his client will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Responding, counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo told the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.
He stated that the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who has the power to negotiate on behalf of the government,
Responding to the development, the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, said the court was not a solicitor but to only hear cases.
The detained IPOB leader has been in DSS custody since June 2021, after he was arrested in Kenya. Since his arrest, he has been facing terrorism-related charges levelled against him by the government.
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