Home Blog Page 288

Kidnapped Soldier Killed Over ₦20 Million Ransom – Police Recover Body

coic
-
0
Kidnapped Soldier Killed Over ₦20 Million Ransom – Police Recover Body

Abdulfatai Odutola, a non-commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, was slain because the ransom was not paid on time, and his body has been retrieved by the Plateau State Police command.
On February 15, 2025, Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was kidnapped while traveling to Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, via the Abuja-Jos route.
SaharaReporters was able to receive an internal military memo that revealed the kidnappers had requested a ransom of ₦20 million in order to free him.

Please take note of the following: “This soldier whisky has informed me that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was abducted yesterday while traveling back to Yola along the Abuja-Jos Road. He departed Ilorin on Friday, February 14, 2025, and spent the night in Abuja. He carried on with his travels from Abuja yesterday until the tragedy.
At the moment, they are requesting N20,000,000,000 in order to free him. PSE authorities ought to assist the soldier.

Nevertheless, according to a different internal memo, the senior employee’s body and vehicle were found in Jos Forest.

According to information that has just reached us from Yola, police found the body of MWO Abdulfatai Odutola in Jos Forest. His captors had slain him after the deadline for paying the 20 million naira ransom they had sought had passed. His vehicle was also found. Please take action.

“June 12 Election Annulment Was a Nightmare – Abiola’s Son Reveals How It Orphaned Him”

coic
-
0
“June 12 Election Annulment Was a Nightmare – Abiola’s Son Reveals How It Orphaned Him”

Abdulmumuni Abiola, the son of the late MKO and Kudirat Abiola, has confessed that he always knew his father had won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
When Ibrahim Babangida, the former military president of Nigeria, publicly apologized for his decision to revoke Abiola’s victory, he responded by saying this.
Abiola said in an interview with Arise News on Friday that the former military leader’s regret for the annulment confirms the long-held election truth.

He added that his mother and father passed away while coping with the fallout from the canceled election.

“I found two parts in the revelations we heard from the late head of state yesterday,” he stated. Recognizing that my father, Abiola, had won the 1993 elections was the first section. I was already aware of that for myself. And I knew my father had won the elections before they were even declared, because I was only eight years old when they were held.

The confession that he felt regret for the things he had done at the time and his statement that he would have done things differently if he could go back in time, I believe, were the two most significant parts. It is crucial, in my opinion, that we recognize that we are fallible human beings and that we should take responsibility for our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. The fact that he showed regret for his choice, in my opinion, was more significant to me.

My Protector Was Lost Upon the death of my mother
Abdulmumuni remarked, “When we look at the events of June 12 1993, it brings up a lot of emotions for me,” in reference to the agony the annulment caused to both individuals and the country. My father struggled to obtain his mandate and justice for what he believed to be the erroneous annulment of the election after it was declared invalid. Consequently, he was arrested. He finally died. At the moment of his arrest, my mother came out and attempted to secure his release, ultimately losing her life in the process. I am aware of the loss. I lost a friend in my mother, a protector, and a guardian.

“That incident at that time period essentially made me an orphan. My father always said, “Turn your other cheek.” My faith also discusses forgiveness, so you see, I’ve always led a life. It discusses forgiving someone so that you can truly move on, not necessarily for the offender’s sake. And I believe that although the Abiola family experienced pain, the Nigerian nation also experienced trauma. During that period, you talked about some of your coworkers’ experiences and how terrified they were. There was uncertainty about the future for a group of Nigerians. A large number of admirable Nigerians left the country because they believed it was unredeemable. A significant amount of brain drain also occurred during that time.

Breaking: Osun Local Council Polls Will Hold Saturday as Planned – Governor Adeleke

coic
-
0
Breaking: Osun Local Council Polls Will Hold Saturday as Planned – Governor Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are at odds, but Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that Osun State’s local government elections will go ahead as planned on Saturday.

Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday.

Following the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to reinstate APC-backed local government officials who had been fired by the state government, the statement was made. Conflicts over control of the local councils between the two main parties were exacerbated by the court’s ruling.

Governor Adeleke was warned earlier Thursday by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not to hold the election. He maintained that the dismissed local government officials’ terms remained in effect until October 2025 because the Court of Appeal reinstated them. Fagbemi said it would be against the Constitution to organize another election.

“Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling mentioned above, which effectively indicates that the elected officials’ terms of office have regained their currency and will naturally expire in October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025,” he said. Any such election that is held would be a flagrant violation of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold, in addition to being void because the elected officials’ terms of office, which were recently restored by the Court of Appeal’s ruling, will still be in effect until October 2025. Once more, the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld and strengthened local government autonomy also makes it more imperative for Governor Adeleke to make sure that the transition from one elected official to another occurs peacefully and smoothly within the three-year period specified by law.

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) should be advised by Governor Adeleke to put off holding any local government elections at this time.

At a meeting with a group of civil society organizations in Osogbo, however, Governor Adeleke assured the populace that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was ready for the elections.

“You are all welcome in Osun State. In anticipation of tomorrow’s elections, our people are ready. They long to be able to choose who will serve as chairmen and council members.

“OSIEC has also performed an excellent preparatory job, based on the reports I have access to.” A number of political parties are taking part, and I think there will be an even playing field for everyone to see how well-liked they are by the general public,” the release cited the governor as telling the visiting activists.

Read Also: Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

“All parties, including national and local stakeholders, should follow democratic norms,” I advise. Regarding myself and my people, we support the rule of law rather than illega self-help.

“The election will take place, and the result will be a rapid development at the local level.” Please, our people, keep the peace. Governor Adeleke continued, “Osun is a genuinely peaceful state.”

Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

coic
-
0
Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

Lawmaker Aminu Boza of Sokoto State has expressed concern over the actions of infamous bandit Bello Turji, claiming that he has levied a ₦25 million tax on villages in the Sabon Birni and Isa regions.
Boza, who is the state House of Assembly representative for Sabon Birni Local Government, said this over the phone with The Punch on Friday and cautioned that Turji’s power in the area is only going to increase.
“Bello Turji is presently in Sokoto’s Isa and Sabon Birni axis. “In certain communities, he has even imposed a levy of ₦25 million per village,” Boza said.

In order to stop the criminals’ operations and bring peace back to the impacted communities, he urged security services to act immediately.

Sokoto Arrests Major Arms Trafficker
A further development is the effective capture of a suspected arms dealer by local security personnel who are suspected of providing firearms to terrorist organizations in Sokoto.

Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, texted reporters Friday morning to confirm the arrest.

Hamza Samaila Surudubu, a 35-year-old alleged ammunition courier, has been taken into custody by the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (SSCGC), Isa Division, according to his statement.

Today, February 20, 2025, the culprit was taken into custody on Shinkafi Road. The SSCGC Isa Division and Civilian JTF apprehended the suspect.

Hamza Samaila was on his way to transfer weapons and ammunition to Turji, Boka, and Halilu Buzu, according to preliminary inquiry findings.

Read Also: Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

“Security agencies were tasked with looking into this further.”

Residents have been reassured by authorities that continued security measures will be stepped up to stop criminal activity in the area.

Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

coic
-
0
Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

Differing opinions Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, is a Nigerian singer who has promised never to be engaged in violence again.
It was alleged that the “Zazu zeh” singer made a decision to change his ways after an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, granted him ₦2 million bail on Thursday.
In Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State, the singer was charged by the Ogun State Police command with assaulting three officials who were conducting an enforcement exercise: TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority, or OGPDPA.

A not guilty plea to five counts of conspiracy, assault, possession of a cutlass, carrying a gun to cause injury, and disruptive conduct resulted in his release on bond.
Following his release from custody, Portable made a vow to quit causing trouble and concentrate on earning money in a video posted to his Instagram page.

The musician claimed that he owes ₦2 million and is looking for funds to meet his bond requirements.

“Thank God, my fans, for everything,” he stated. You have it all if you have God. I have to have money. Trouble is not what I’m after anymore. Right now, my main goal is to make money. I have a bail obligation of N2 million. I want more cash. I need money.

“IBB Acknowledged His Wrongs but Didn’t Ask for Forgiveness” – Cleric

coic
-
0
“IBB Acknowledged His Wrongs but Didn’t Ask for Forgiveness” – Cleric

According to Adewale Giwa, Senior Pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, General Ibrahim Babangida, a former Head of State, made late confessions.

Babangida has admitted his transgressions against the Nigerian people and the late Moshood Abiola, the victor of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, but he has not asked for forgiveness, according to Giwa.
In Akure, Ondo State, the cleric made this statement on an Adaba FM show.

Babangida’s confession, he added, comes at a time when Abiola, who would have benefited most from the truth, is no longer able to regain his mandate.

Read Also: Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

Giwa stated, “IBB never sought Nigerians for forgiveness; he only admitted his sin. Regretfully, the majority of our political leaders don’t consider the legacy they leave behind.
They only consider how to further or fulfill their interests, forgetting that you brought nothing into the world and that you will depart with nothing. “The Lord will request that you present a record of your stewardship on the Day of Judgment,” Giwa stated.

God detests oppression and injustice, the cleric continued, adding that history will judge everyone—including Nigerian leaders—accordingly.

A country that, in his words, forgets its past has no future, he added.
“IBB’s confession comes too late. “I wonder what kept him from publicly acknowledging that MKO did, in fact, win the 1993 election—after 31 years,” he continued.

Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

coic
-
0
Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

According to Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group, the Nigerian government has a mere 15% share in the country’s GDP.
At the opening of General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, “A Journey in Service,” the billionaire revealed the information.
He revealed that the private sector makes a substantial contribution to the GDP of the nation. According to Dangote, who emphasized the value of the private sector, Nigeria boasts a bigger private sector than all of Africa.
By doing away with the need for import licenses, Babangida was credited with helping to pioneer the rise of the private sector in Nigeria, which he characterized as a driving force behind the sector’s development in the nation.

According to the most recent Forbes rankings, Dangote is the 86th richest person in the world.

Forbes revealed on Monday that the business tycoon’s net worth had risen to $23.9 billion, an astounding 85.27% gain, or an extra $11 billion, over his February 18, 2023, valuation of $12.9 billion.

Dangote’s 92.3% ownership of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is largely responsible for his financial success, according to Forbes.

In January 2024, the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) facility started refining crude oil into jet fuel, naphtha, and diesel. Nine months later, it expanded its activities to include the manufacturing of gasoline.

About 24 million barrels of Nigerian crude oil were delivered to the refinery in October and November 2024 to maintain and increase output.

Furthermore, according to reports dated January 28, 2025, the facility is expected to receive up to 12 million barrels of crude oil from the United States.

Read Also: New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

The refinery stated that it might achieve full operational capacity in the upcoming 30 days on February 10, 2025.

New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

coic
-
0
New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has defended its decision to raise fees for cash withdrawals from other banks’ automated teller machines (ATMs) by claiming that the action is intended to encourage banks to enhance cash availability at their ATMs.
Following its meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday, the apex bank reportedly declared that it would maintain key economic indicators by keeping the MPR at 27.5%.
After the meeting, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso spoke to reporters and defended the hike in ATM withdrawal fees, which are currently N100 for every N20,000 taken out of an ATM at another bank.

“The goal of the policy is to incentivize banks to increase the amount of cash available at ATMs and to expand their network of ATMs,” he explained.
In order to guarantee consistent access to cash at their ATMs and enable trouble-free money withdrawals, banks must be encouraged to do so. Even though things have improved, everything still needs to go smoothly and flawlessly,” he stated.

Cardoso insisted that the new fee would improve financial efficiency and eliminate predatory cash withdrawal services, dismissing worries that it would discourage consumers from using cash.

Read Also: NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

“You won’t be charged if you take out money from the ATM at your own bank. To prevent fees, you can apply for a card with the bank whose ATM you regularly use. He continued, “This policy will promote a wider spread of ATMs and facilitate easier access to money.”

The CBN anticipates that the action will deter unlicensed cash handlers from overcharging customers for cash withdrawals, hence increasing the effectiveness of Nigeria’s banking system.

NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

coic
-
0
NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) referees Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh have been suspended by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Referee Development Committee.
In response to an event that occurred during the matchday 24 match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin, the Technical Instructor (football) of the NFF and Referees Assessor, Ameenu Mohammed, signed a statement on Thursday announcing this decision.
According to the Laws of the Game, a major penalty situation that obviously qualified as a foul—specifically, holding or pulling—was disregarded by both referees.
“We recognize the influence of your choices on the result of the game and the integrity of the game on Sunday, February 15, 2025,” the NFF statement said. Ignoring an occurrence with an obvious penalty compromises officiating standards.

Furthermore, it was brought to light that the Assistant Referee’s inability to help during this pivotal moment underscored the necessity of officiating in concert in order to maintain the game’s standards.

Given these worries, Olatunji and Jimoh will be placed on indefinite leave with immediate effect. Restoring the league’s integrity and promoting officiating improvements are the goals of this move.

Another change is that the NFF has given the Federal Capital Territory and all 36 states the requirement to play the 2025 President Federation Cup finals on either Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025.

The Director of Competitions, Ruth David, made this announcement in a statement. By warning that noncompliance will result in a fine of one million naira, the NFF highlights the significance of this regulation.

The announcement explained that “unless the NFF grants exceptions, final matches are to occur solely on the 22nd/23rd.”

Read Also: Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

Important dates for the national play-off and later stages of the competition have also been set. On March 5, the national play-off will take place, and a week later, the national draw will follow. In 2025, the 64, 32, and 16 rounds are set on March 19, April 2, and April 16, respectively. The quarterfinals will meet on May 3 and 4, and the semifinals on May 17 and 18.

By improving competition organization and guaranteeing a seamless event, these planned schedules hope to improve Nigerian football fans’ experiences.

Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

coic
-
0
Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

In the last week, Nigerian security forces carrying out internal operations have killed 82 terrorists, captured 198 criminals, and freed 93 people who had been abducted.

Along with 2,040 rounds of ammo, the troops also confiscated 86 high-caliber weapons from various operations zones.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defense Media Operations, revealed these developments in a statement on Friday.

41 terrorists, including 10 men, 12 women, and 19 children, turned themselves in to Operation Hadin Kai forces, he added.

Over ₦500 million worth of illicitly obtained petroleum products, including crude oil, were seized by security forces in the Niger Delta.

The confiscated goods comprised 600 liters of kerosene, 117,320 liters of unlawfully refined diesel, and 366,530 liters of stolen crude oil, Kangye said.

There were also 38 crude oil cooking furnaces, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, three speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illegal refining sites that forces found and destroyed,” he said. 22 oil thieves were apprehended by the troops, and they also found 152 different types of weapons and ammunition, five magazines, and other goods.

Read Also: Akpabio Warned by Kogi Politician: “Stop Bullying Senator Natasha”

In describing the weapons found, the defense official named three pump-action shotguns, 19 Dane guns, 18 locally manufactured firearms, and 46 AK-47 rifles.

In addition, security personnel seized 51 cartridges, 600 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO rounds, and 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

1...287288289...2,799Page 288 of 2,799
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv