Home Blog Page 1525

Abductors of 15 Sokoto college students demand N20m ransom

admin
-
0
Abductors of 15 Sokoto college students demand N20m ransom

The bandits that kidnapped 15 Qur’anic students in Sokoto State have established contact with their families, demanding N20 million before releasing them.

The proprietor of the school, Liman Abubakar confirmed this development in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday.

According Online reports that the said students were abducted by bandits who raided Gidan Bakuso village in the Gada Local Government area in the early hours of Saturday. 

 Abubakar said the bandits called him and requested for N20 million for the students to be freed.

He said, “They  (the bandits) called me this morning around 11 am and directed me to meet our village head and tell him to raise N20 million for the children.

“I went and discussed the matter with the village head but we are yet to conclude.”

 Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was still working on the release of the students.

“We are still searching the surrounding villages and forest to get the exact location of where the kids are being held.

“We are on it and hopefully we will get them rescued,” he added.

Sunday According reported that the threats of clampdown on bandits and terrorists abducting schoolchildren seem to have little or no effect on the terrorists as 15 pupils of an Islamiya school in Sokoto State were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday. 

This comes after Thursday’s abduction of 287 schoolchildren in Kaduna State. On Wednesday, over 200 Internally Displaced Persons were kidnapped from their camp in Borno State.

Reacting to the incidents, President Bola Tinubu ordered security agents to secure the immediate rescue of all the abducted people.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Funds padding allegations dent senate picture, Akpabio laments

admin
-
0
Funds padding allegations dent senate picture, Akpabio laments

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has lamented that the allegation of budget padding sparked by Senator Abdul Ningi’s interview has dented the image of the Senate.

Akpabio stated this while speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the damage inflicted on the Senate’s integrity by the controversy

Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, alleged in a recent interview with BBC Hausa that the National Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion for 2024, contrary to the N28.7 trillion implemented by the Federal Government.

Akpabio, during an open session, lamented the negative impact of the allegation on the Senate’s reputation.

He criticised Ningi for his initial interview and a subsequent one where he seemingly defended his initial claim of budget padding.

“Nigerians are bashing the Senate. Many Nigerians will never in future come back to respect this chamber. The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged and we wanted you to repair it with your speech.

“Instead of that, you said you have more documents to prove what you are saying. This thing is in the public glare. I have not received full details up to this moment. If you had given me full details, I would have been able to know what you know.

“So far, what you know is only known to you, it is not known to any other person. I don’t know how you rushed to the press carrying different versions. The social media is very fast. From Canada, the United States, everywhere, the story was budget padding by the Senate.

“I can quote a section of the Premium Times that said ‘this is the highest level of budget padding in Nigeria’s history where the budget passed a budget of N25 trillion but what we collect was N28 trillion,” he said.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Senate suspends Ningi for 3 months over N3.7tn funds padding allegation

admin
-
0
Senate suspends Ningi for 3 months over N3.7tn funds padding allegation

The Senate has suspended Senator Abdul Ningi for three months over an allegation of N3.7 trillion padded into the 2024 budget.

Ningi is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Population and represents  PDP, Bauchi Central.

While the parties called for a probe into the allegation, some northern senators disowned the claims made by Ningi, saying the Bauchi State senator did not speak for them. (

The Bauchi senator, however, maintained his position on Monday that N3.7tn could not be accounted for in the 2024 budget.

In the plenary on Tuesday, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) raised a motion that there is urgent need to address the false allegation by Ningi.

Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, read the transcript of Ningi’s Hausa BBC interview on the floor of the house after Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a committee of the whole house.

Meanwhile, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim moves for the suspension of Ningi for 12 months while adding that Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South, NNPP) be warned.

Senator Chris Ekpeyong (Akwa-Ibom North-West, PDP) opposed by moving a motion of amendment that it be adjusted to six months and it was seconded. Another Senator said a three-month suspension should be adopted.

Details later…

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Tinubu will not apportion blame on Nigeria’s challenges -Shettima

admin
-
0
Tinubu will not apportion blame on Nigeria’s challenges -Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday said President Bola Tinubu was aware that Nigeria has challenges and he would never apportion blame but take responsibility.

He assured Nigerians that Tinubu has Nigeria on his mind.

This was as he said the government would neither deny the challenges in the country nor apportion blame, but rather accept responsibility and find solutions.

The Vice President made the statement during his remark at a book launch, titled “Beating all Odds: Diaries and Essays on how Bola Tinubu became President”, written by Sam Omatseye, Chairperson of the Editorial Board of The Nation Newspaper, on Tuesday.

Shettima, who was Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, described Tinubu as “a man of courage and conviction”, noting that the President “took the bull by the horns”, by withdrawing the fuel subsidy and collapsing the multiple exchange rates regime.

The Vice President said, “Be rest assured that the President has Nigeria in his mind. Yes, we are having challenges, we are not denying that, and we are not here to apportion blame.

“Leadership is about accepting responsibilities and finding solutions to national challenges. The President is a man of courage and conviction. In the first week in office, he made far-reaching decisions.

“Oil subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian nation. He took the bull by the horns and withdrew the fuel subsidy from day one. He was able to collapse the multiple exchange rate regime, which gave room for a lot of hanky-panky. And be rest assured that in the fullness of time, history will be kind to him.”

In his goodwill message, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North), while hailing the qualities of the President outlined in the book, urged Nigerians to support the President.

“As the President faces governance, which is the stage which we are in currently, may I crave the indulgence of all Nigerians and all arms of government, to give him all the support he desires to succeed. With the agenda of Renewed Hope, our commitment to our national duty, and perseverance, I am convinced that we shall eventually reach the promised land”, he said.

Also at the event were former Governor of Ogun State, and Chairman on the Occasion, Olusegun Osoba; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former National Chairman of the APC and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, among others

Reps to restrain banks from holding prospects’ reversed funds

admin
-
0
Reps to restrain banks from holding prospects’ reversed funds

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria to restrain commercial banks from holding reversed funds of customers beyond the timeline stipulated by the apex bank.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to restrain commercial banks from holding funds reversal beyond the date prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” moved by a member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo.

The lawmaker recalled that on June 8, 2020, the CBN, in a statement announced timelines for reversals and resolution of refund complaints including Failed “On-Us” automated teller machines transactions (when customers use their cards on their bank’s ATMs) “Shall be instantly reversed from the current timeline of three days.”

He also noted that “Where instant reversal fails due to any technical issue or system glitch, the timeline for manual reversal shall not exceed 24 hours; refunds for failed ‘Not-on-US’ ATM transactions (where customers use their cards on other banks’ ATM) shall not exceed 4 per cent hours from the current 3-5 days.

“Resolution of disputed/failed POS or web transactions shall be concluded within 72 hours from the current five days,” stressing that “All banks are directed to resolve the backlog of all ATM, POS, and web customer refunds within two weeks starting June 8, 2020.”

Leading the debate, the lawmaker said, “The House is worried that Nigeria’s financial sector is facing serious concerns due to persistent complaints of failed customer transactions, with over 69 per cent of complaints in July 2023 encompassing failed transactions

“Cognizant of the rapid increase in numbers of failed banks and the magnitude of the problem which has reached an unprecedented level and alarmed that the high rate of failed bank transactions is causing a decrease in business investments and lending across the country,” the House urged the CBN to direct banks to work on their systems in mitigating failed transactions without the customer’s prompting.

It also urged the apex bank to direct banks “To reverse customers’ funds within the stipulated periods whether or not the customers lodge complaints.”

Consequently, the House mandated the Committees on Banking Regulations, Banking and other Ancillary Institutions, and Digital and Electronic Banking “To liaise with the apex bank and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System to look into the issues, provide solutions and report back to the House within four weeks for future legislative action.”

Military uncovers gun manufacturing facility in Delta, arrests eight

admin
-
0
Military uncovers gun manufacturing facility in Delta, arrests eight

The 63 Brigade of the Nigeria Army has uncovered an illegal gun factory in Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state.

The Commander, 63 Brigade Brigadier General, Ugochukwu Unachukwu, who stated this at the illegal arms factory site, said that the factory can produce ten guns per week.

He said, “Eight suspects involved in the family business including the mastermind of the operation, his father, mother, and sister were among those arrested at the factory.

“The arms factory located in a forest has a surveillance post, a generating set connected from a remote location, an oven for melting of iron, and a cache of arms and ammunition.

“We have recovered items for the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices IEDs including shrapnels, detonators, and the container”

The army commander said the activities of the suspects were a major contributor to insecurity in the region and the country.

“In this axis, it is only IPOB and Eastern security networks that use improvised explosive devices and even drones.

“A normal AK-47 magazine carries 30 rounds, but this man is modifying an AK-47 magazine to carry 60 rounds.

“Anybody that is involved in an act of insurgency that is against the peace and stability of Nigeria, we will get to you,” he added.

The prime suspect, 22-year-old Emmanuel Eboka, admitted to having rented some of the arms to criminal elements for set fees.

Last September, operatives of the Delta State Police Command rescued four kidnapped victims in the forests of Orerokpe community in Okpe Local Government Area. (

According Metro gathered that their rescue followed a distress call to the Orerokpe Divisional Police on September 11, 2023, at about 0400hrs that the four persons (names withheld) who are residents of the community on transit along Abraka-Eku Expressway had been abducted by Orerokpe Bridge with the kidnappers demanding N10m ransom.

Diri not below strain to type second-term cabinet- Spokesman 

admin
-
0
Diri not below strain to type second-term cabinet- Spokesman 

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, is not under pressure from any quarters over when he will form his second-term cabinet and the persons to be appointed.

The governor’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, who stated this in a telephone chat with our correspondent, on Monday, also said that the governor would announce his cabinet whenever he was ready.

Alabrah’s explanation came on the heels of concerns among residents of the state that the governor has yet to constitute the state executive council about one month after he and the deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were inaugurated for their second tenure on February 14, 2024, following their reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party at the November 11, 2023 governorship poll.

The governor had announced the dissolution of the former state executive council one week after his second-term inauguration following the expiration of his first term at a valedictory session held inside the Executive Chamber of the Government House, Yenagoa.

In his first term in office, the governor formed his cabinet in August 2020 about six months after he was sworn in.

Alabrah said no pressure was being piled on the governor to appoint his second-tenure cabinet and that he would forward the list of nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation when it was ready.

According to him, the governor knows the kinds of people he wants to be in his cabinet to help him drive his vision and had indicated that members of other political parties might be in the new state executive council.

In addition, he said the governor would consult relevant stakeholders where necessary as the task of building a new unified and prosperous Bayelsa was not his responsibility alone.

The governor’s spokesperson said, “Nobody can tell you definitely when he will announce his (second-term) cabinet. Nobody knows. When he is ready, he will send the list (of nominees) to the House of Assembly. It is just three weeks after the cabinet was dissolved, so what is the big deal about new cabinet? When he is ready with his new cabinet, he will announce it.

“After all, he has done one term and he knows the kinds of people he wants in his second term. He will form his cabinet when he is ready. It could be anytime, and the truth of the matter is that he is the one who knows the kinds of persons he wants, whether in the PDP, APC or any party. He has said that he wants to have an inclusive cabinet.”

While dismissing speculation that the governor was being pressured to form his cabinet with certain people, he said, “No pressure. Who will give him pressure? Although people can say that they are lobbying for one position or another, I’m not privy to any quarters or anybody that will be in the list. But the governor is not under any pressure.

“He knows the people that will help him drive his vision, he wants to pick those kinds of persons- if they are politicians, technocrats, professionals- whatever calibre of persons he wants, he knows. For him to say that he wants to have an inclusive cabinet, he is also looking at the larger picture of how to unify the state.

“Look at what he said on Saturday (March 9, 2024). He said there is no political boundaries in the new Bayelsa. He is trying to say that, that politics that has divided our people before; that let us not continue to look at politics from that prism anymore. It’s a new paradigm shift. And anywhere he has to consult, he will consult. He cannot do these things on his own, he will do it in consultation with other stakeholders. But if it is a question of pressure, no, nobody can pressure him.”

Osun uncovers kidnappers’ plan to assault colleges, farm settlements

admin
-
0
Osun uncovers kidnappers’ plan to assault colleges, farm settlements

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, said his administration has uncovered plans by criminals to attack schools and farm settlements in rural communities in the state.

The governor, who raised the alarm in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said those behind the plot plan to disrupt the implementation of the infrastructure plan of his administration and cause apprehension in the state.

Adeleke, however, said he had convened a meeting of the state security council to prevent security breaches in any part of the state.

The governor referred to intelligence snippets of “deliberate mobilisation of criminal elements to the rural areas of the state”, stressing that such reports were alarming and posed serious concerns to the well-being of the Osun people.

He noted that the administration was worried about reports that “those behind the plot are targeting disruption of farming activities through kidnappings and attacks on rural farm settlements.

“It was further revealed that schools are being targeted with abductions and attacks as a way of distracting from the implementation of the safe school initiative and the multi-billion naira infrastructure plan.”
While a meeting of the state security council has been summoned, Adeleke said preliminary directives have been issued to school authorities to take precautions to enhance the safety of pupils and students.

The statement further read, “The Ministry of Education and all education agencies have been ordered to review safety measures in Osun schools in line with the Safe School Initiative.

“In specific terms, school principals and heads are expected to clear overgrown school environments and ensure close liaison with the Parents and Teachers Association to secure their school environments.

“The governor further directs the Food Security Committee to submit an interim report to allow for immediate actions to safeguard farm security and secure farmers as the rainy season knocks on the door.

“We expect the initial report to contain practical and implementable measures to safeguard our farming communities through closer integration and mobilisation of the local hunters and forest rangers.”

The governor, who also announced plans to embark on major reforms of the Amotekun security force, frowned at the internal rivalry and what he called opposition penetration and external intervention that have negatively affected the operation of the Amotekun Corps in the state.

According to him, the Amotekun would be reorganised to make it a truly efficient force to complement the efforts and operation of the police and other security agencies.

He assured the public that his administration has taken preemptive steps to secure schools and farming communities in the state, describing Osun as a peaceful state which would not succumb to attempts to destabilize the peace and harmony among its residents.

“I have summoned a meeting of the State Security Council to firm up all plans. I assure our people that I am on top of the situation. We are committed to securing our school, our farm, and our society.

“No stone will be left unturned to disrupt plans of enemies of progress to plunge the state into crisis. I urge members of the public to inform security agencies of any unusual movement or activities across the state”, Adeleke said

Nigerian contenders, Rivers draw holders, USM Alger

admin
-
0
Nigerian contenders, Rivers draw holders, USM Alger

Rivers United of Nigeria were paired with title-holders, USM Alger of Algeria, when the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals draw was made in Cairo on Tuesday.

The Port Harcourt outfit hope to become the first Nigerian winners of an African competition since Enyimba defeated Hearts of Oak 2-0 after extra time to lift the 2005 CAF Super Cup.

Rivers won all four home matches to make the last eight, but were less impressive on the road with only one victory, a draw and two losses.

Dreams of Ghana, who topped a group in which Rivers finished runners-up, meet Stade Malien of Mali in a west African affair.

Modern Future face Zamalek in an Egyptian derby while Abu Salim of Libya take on Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in a north African showdown.

Berkane twice, USM, Malien and Zamalek have won the Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.

Rivers have reached the quarter-finals for the second straight season while Future were eliminated at the group stage last year.

Dreams and Salim qualified for the quarter-finals at the first attempt in a competition dominated by north African clubs with 15 victories in 20 finals.

That trend could continue with Zamalek, Berkane and USM looking the strongest of the eight survivors.

Berkane, the 2020 and 2022 winners, boast the only unbeaten record among the title hopefuls with five victories and three draws from qualifying and group games.

Draws

Quarter-finals

Modern Future (EGY) v Zamalek (EGY)

Abu Salim (LBA) v Renaissance Berkane (MAR)

Rivers Utd (NGR) v USM Alger (ALG, holders)

Stade Malien (MLI) v Dreams (GHA)

First legs: March 31, second legs: April 7

Semi-finals

Rivers or USM v Salim or Berkane

Future or Zamalek v Malien or Dreams

First legs: April 21, second legs: April 28

 

AFP

Russian military cargo airplane with 15 on board crashes

admin
-
0
Russian military cargo airplane with 15 on board crashes

Russia, on Tuesday, said that a military cargo plane with 15 people on board had crashed while taking off from an airfield northeast of Moscow for a scheduled flight.

This was according to a statement by the Russian defence ministry on Tuesday.

“An Il-76 military transport aviation plane crashed in the Ivanovo region while taking off to perform a scheduled flight.

“On board were eight crew members and seven passengers,” the defence ministry said.

AFP

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...1,5241,5251,526...2,849Page 1,525 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv