Category: News

A mob launched an attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Kogi State, disrupting staff access to the premises. Military intervention was necessary to restore order and provide security to the electoral commission’s facility. The siege impeded attorneys representing political parties involved in a recent off-cycle governorship election from inspecting crucial election-related documents. INEC, in response, emphasizes its commitment to transparency and pledges to facilitate unimpeded access to all materials required for legal proceedings by political parties and litigants involved in the case.

Netizens express outrage over the prolonged detention of Rhoda Jatau, a Nigerian woman held for 18 months for condemning the brutal murder of Samuel Deborah. Deborah, a Christian student, was killed by extremists for advising against sharing religious content on WhatsApp. Despite arrests related to her murder, Jatau faces charges of incitement and cyber-stalking. Social media users criticize the justice system’s focus on Jatau instead of Deborah’s killers, calling for her release with the hashtag #FreeRhoda. Concerns about religious freedom and justice in northern Nigeria are amplified, prompting calls for accountability. Police and DSS officials remain unresponsive to inquiries.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kogi State has adjourned pending the completion of inspection of election materials by the Social Democratic Party.

At the resumed hearing, the SDP said the INEC was cooperating with the inspection of materials as granted by the order of the Tribunal, but sought for more time.

Recall that the Tribunal had ordered INEC to issue certified copies of electoral materials on the November 11 off-cycle election in the state to the SDP within 48 hours.

It also ordered INEC to allow SDP’s forensic experts to examine some electoral materials.

The materials include Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets for Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ogori-Magongo, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Kogi and Bassa Local Government Areas.

The tribunal ruled on Saturday in Lokoja that the SDP requested the materials to prove its case in the petition it filed against the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the election.

Court adjourned case for 12th Dec

By our correspondent

Trial of Kaduna based investigative journalist Mr. Idibia Gabriel, has commenced in Kaduna Magistrate court 2, Daura road, Kaduna in full.

However, during the commencement of the hearing on Wednesday, the procurator failed to comply with court order to provide copies of all documents to be used in the case, which was granted pursuant to the defendant application.

The procurator informed the court that he was just handed the case diary (today, Wednesday) while in court, as such, pleaded for an adjournment.

The defendant earlier reminded the court on need for the prosecutor to comply with the court’s order by giving copies of all documents to be use in the case, which was granted pursuant to its application.

But the prosecutor told the court that he was just handed the case diary today while in court, as such, pleaded for an adjournment, which was granted and case adjourned for 12th December 2023.

Recalled that Journalist Idibia, who was incarcerated over the report published in Daybreak Nigeria newspapera, is being prosecuted by commissioner of police, Kaduna state command over his investigative news report exposing the poor conduct of 2023 Hajj exercise in Kaduna.

Security measures at the National Assembly have been significantly increased in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The Department of State Services has deployed personnel to manage entrance gates, carefully controlling access to the complex.

As early as 6:30 a.m., a substantial number of journalists gathered, eager to enter the complex for the day’s proceedings. However, they encountered stringent security protocols, with only individuals possessing designated “2024 Budget Presentation” tags granted entry. Even those presenting official identification cards and National Assembly passes faced restrictions, leading to a wait for the necessary tags.

The usually bustling visitors’ car park witnessed a minimal number of vehicles, reflecting the tightened security. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was reported to have arrived at his office, preparing for the day’s activities.

Security personnel informed auxiliary workers, media aides, and visitors without tags to return home, emphasizing the strict enforcement of access regulations. Further details will be provided as the situation unfolds.

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

Kano state command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been commanded by Bichi Emirate Anti Drugs Mobilisation And Enlightenment for conquering the issue of drugs abuse across the state.

In a press statement signed and issued to newsmen by the association’s committee chairman Malam Ali Ibrahim Bichi, shortly after the recent burning of seized illicit drugs in kano stressed that  NDLEA deserves respect and special commendation for  giving selfless services  towards the promotion of peace and progress in the state despites challenges in one way or the other during duties.

The statement further read”  We are happy to express that kano state is now safe in respect of drugs abuse because the state command of the NDLEA is working day and night to getting the state rid of consuming illicit drugs and other substances that change behaviours,and attitudes of our Youths, in this regard, our association put more efforts to ensure that all is well across the state”.

In conclusion, Malam Ali Ibrahim Bichi thanked the state commandant  Comrade Abubakar Idris Ahmed and his lieutenants for promoting Kano state through the fight against drugs abuse where he reassured that Bichi Emirate Anti Drugs Abuse Mobilization and Enlightenment would continue to works as a support to the agency without bias.

By Jabiru Hassan.

The executive chairman of Dawakin Tofa local government council Honourable Ado Tambai Kwa has issued a congratulatory message to the member representing Dawakin Tofa Local government area at the kano state House of assembly, Honourable Saleh Ahmed Marke  on his recent victory at the court of appeal that affirmed his election in Abuja Tuesday.

In a press statement signed and  issued to our correspondent in Kano, Ado Tambai described the victory as a progress to democracy and to the people of Dawakin Tofa constituency at the kano state parliament which enabled contuinity to prevail, adding that Nigerian Judiciary is working selflessly to promote and protects the mandate of the electorates.

“On behalf of the legislative and executive councils of Dawakin Tofa local government, the leaders of our great party APC, i wish to congratulate our member for emerging victorious in yet another verdict at the appeal court and we are ready to join hands in order to bring rapid development to our domain with optimum result”. He concluded.