News
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Alleges N175m Ransom Payments, Security Lapses in Kaduna Kidnap Case
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has alleged that his family paid multiple ransoms totalling about N175 million, alongside other items, to secure the release of his nephew and three others abducted in Kaduna State in 2025.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Baba-Ahmed recounted the 37-day ordeal, stating that the victims were kidnapped from a farm along the Kaduna–Kachia Road and held in captivity while negotiations took place.
According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded cash, motorcycles, food supplies and medication. He claimed that ransom payments were made in several instalments while family members maintained daily contact with both the abductors and the victims to confirm they were alive.Baba-Ahmed said the family repeatedly shared information, including the reported location of the captives, with security agencies and government officials in the hope of securing a rescue operation.
He further alleged that despite providing details that could assist security efforts, the victims remained in captivity for more than a month before their eventual release.The former presidential aide also expressed concern about what he described as a highly organised kidnapping network, alleging that criminal groups involved in abductions operate through structured chains of command.
Baba-Ahmed said the experience highlighted the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved security coordination and more effective responses to kidnapping across the country. Nigerian authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised during the interview.
News
Police Academy Wudil Gets New Commandant
By Jabiru Hassan
The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.
In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.
Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.
He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.
The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.
During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.
News
Nigerian Farmers Commend Gettado’s Leadership of AFAN
By Jabiru Hassan
Farmers from different parts of Nigeria have expressed support for the leadership of Muhammad Magaji Gettado as National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
The farmers, in a joint statement, passed a vote of confidence in Gettado, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at improving the agricultural sector and making farming more sustainable and profitable. The statement was signed by Alhaji Sulaiman Umar of Gombe State and Malam Abdullahi Mai Nasara of Katsina.
The farmers described AFAN as a platform for promoting unity among farmers and representing their interests in engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.They said Gettado’s leadership style had strengthened cooperation among members and promoted greater participation across different categories of farmers.
According to the farmers, his background in agricultural development had informed his approach to addressing challenges facing the sector. They also commended previous AFAN leaders for their contributions to agricultural development and said continuity in efforts to improve farmers’ welfare remained important.
Farmers from the six geopolitical zones also expressed their support for Gettado, pledging to work together to promote food production, economic development and opportunities for farmers.They called for continued collaboration among farmers, government institutions and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural productivity.
News
Kogi Government Commends Foundation for Rebuilding Community Secondary School
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation for reconstructing Community Secondary School, Oke Agi, in Mopamuro Local Government Area, and urged more private organisations to support education infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, gave the commendation on Wednesday during an inspection of the reconstructed school.Fanwo described the project, led by Engr. Adebayo Mike Arayegbemi, as a significant investment in the educational development of the community.
He said the state government was allocating more than 30 per cent of its expenditure to education but could not meet every infrastructure need without support from private individuals and organisations.
Fanwo said the government would consider integrating the school into the state’s public education system and directed the Ministry of Education to assess the possibility of taking over its management.
The reconstructed facility comprises nine classroom blocks, four administrative offices, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory and a hall for external examinations. It also has a solar power installation designed to provide electricity to the school. Fanwo announced a N1.75 million support package in scholarships and communication gadgets for students of the school.
The Danayangun of Oke Agi, HRH Oba Joshua Are, thanked the foundation for the project, which he said was about 99 per cent complete. The school is expected to be officially commissioned later in the year.
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