Category: News

The Bauchi State Police Command has officially launched a task force dedicated to the Safe School Initiative, marking a significant step toward addressing security challenges facing educational institutions. The move aims to protect students and staff from increasing threats that have disrupted learning environments across Nigeria.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu inaugurated the committee on Thursday in Bauchi, highlighting the growing vulnerability of schools to various forms of crime. He noted that institutions have become targets for banditry, kidnapping, violent assaults, cult activities, drug abuse, and other dangers that undermine academic progress and instill fear among communities.

Aliyu emphasized that the command is fully committed to ensuring school safety, but stressed that this responsibility cannot rest solely on security agencies. He called for collective action from all stakeholders to create a secure atmosphere for education.

According to the commissioner, the Inspector-General of Police mandated all state commands to enhance security around schools through proactive policing, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement. In compliance, the Bauchi command established a multi-stakeholder task force to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative.

“We must work together to identify vulnerable areas, strengthen preventive measures, improve intelligence sharing, establish effective emergency response systems, and ensure our schools remain safe and conducive for teaching and learning,” Aliyu stated.

He urged task force members to carry out their duties with patriotism, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility, underscoring the importance of their role in safeguarding the future of children in the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to rule on Friday on a legal challenge that questions former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. The case, initiated by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, seeks to bar Jonathan from contesting based on constitutional provisions.

During the last hearing, Jonathan’s legal representative, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit, asserting that the matter had already been resolved by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. Uche informed the court that the former president learned of the lawsuit through media coverage, prompting his team to file a preliminary objection and supporting documents.

The case faced delays after the plaintiff and other parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), failed to appear on two separate occasions. The court had warned that costs might be imposed on the plaintiff for the repeated absences. Despite Jonathan’s lawyer requesting the suit be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Peter Lifu rejected the motion, stating that a final opportunity should be granted to ensure a fair hearing.

The judge then ordered the issuance of fresh hearing notices to the plaintiff, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation before adjourning for judgment. The verdict is expected to clarify the legal landscape for Jonathan’s potential candidacy.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Anita Job, a businesswoman and mother of three, to 27 years in prison for her involvement in illicit drug trafficking within the Federal Capital Territory.

The convict was found guilty on Friday on two charges brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). She received a 12-year term for the first count and a 15-year term for the second.

However, taking into account her remorseful behavior during the trial, her status as a first-time offender, and her guilty plea that saved the court’s time, the judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently. As a result, Job will serve only 15 years behind bars.

Justice Yilwa emphasized the seriousness of drug crimes, noting the severe impact on Nigeria and the international community. She was particularly concerned that the convict possessed 250 kilograms of illicit drugs, which constitutes a commercial quantity.

Job’s lawyer, Barrister D. I. Badams, urged the court to show leniency, highlighting the convict’s pledge to abstain from drug-related activities in the future.

Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has extended his heartfelt condolences to his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, following the loss of his sibling. In a message shared on his verified X account on Friday, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. He described Baba-Ahmed as a dear younger brother and emphasized that his thoughts and fervent prayers are with him and the entire Baba-Ahmed family during this difficult period. Obi prayed for Allah’s mercy, seeking forgiveness for the deceased’s shortcomings and the grant of Aljannatul Firdaus. He also offered strength and patience to the grieving family, quoting the Islamic phrase ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,’ meaning ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.’ He concluded with a plea for comfort for all who mourn and a reward for patience in accordance with divine will.

A new wave of the Ebola virus has emerged in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 65 fatalities, as reported by African health authorities.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced the update on Friday, revealing that a total of 246 suspected cases have been identified, with four deaths among those confirmed through laboratory tests.

Health officials have pinpointed the outbreak to Ituri Province, situated in the country’s eastern sector.

Africa CDC stated that it is actively monitoring the situation and has already organized an emergency high-level coordination meeting. This meeting includes representatives from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and international health partners, with the goal of enhancing cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and response initiatives.

Ebola virus disease, which was first identified in 1976, is a severe and highly contagious hemorrhagic illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

The disease can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and death if not rapidly contained. Over the past fifty years, Ebola outbreaks across Africa are estimated to have claimed around 15,000 lives.

The most devastating outbreak in the DRC took place between 2018 and 2020, resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths.

Authorities are urging residents and neighboring countries to stay alert and immediately report any suspected infections to help control the virus’s spread.

A legal attempt to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from running in the 2027 presidential election has hit another procedural hurdle. The case, initiated by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, saw its scheduled hearing on Friday adjourned after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to appear in court.

This marks the second time INEC has been absent, having also skipped the previous session on May 11. Additionally, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), listed as the third defendant, informed the court that he had not been served with the originating summons, preventing him from filing any response.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that adjourning the case was necessary to ensure fair hearing. He rescheduled the hearing for May 18 and directed the plaintiff to properly serve all relevant parties with court documents.

Earlier, on May 11, the plaintiff and his lawyer were also absent without explanation, prompting Justice Lifu to postpone the hearing. At that session, Chris Uche, SAN, representing Jonathan, had urged the court to dismiss the case for lack of diligent prosecution and sought a N5 million cost against the plaintiff.

In his suit, Jideobi argues that Jonathan has already served two terms: completing the remainder of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure and a full four-year term after the 2011 election. He contends that sections of the 1999 Constitution bar Jonathan from seeking office again. An affidavit by Emmanuel Agida supports this, noting that Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, and that reports of his potential 2027 candidacy prompted the legal action.

The plaintiff seeks an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as an aspirant and preventing INEC from accepting or processing his candidacy. He warns that without court intervention, a party might nominate Jonathan, leading to a third oath of office, which he argues would violate constitutional limits.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally asked the Nigerian Air Force to address the growing number of civilian casualties linked to airstrikes across the nation. Tony Ojukwu, the commission’s executive secretary, voiced deep alarm over what he described as a recurring pattern of civilian deaths during military aerial missions aimed at tackling insurgency and banditry.

While acknowledging the government’s duty to ensure national security, Ojukwu stressed that all operations must comply with legal frameworks and international humanitarian principles designed to safeguard non-combatants. He pointed to reports of women, children, and other vulnerable individuals being killed or injured in these strikes, which he said may violate fundamental rights to life and dignity.

The NHRC leader questioned why such incidents persist despite earlier reassurances from military authorities that protocols would be strengthened to prevent harm to civilians. He highlighted several recent tragedies, including strikes on Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State, and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, as examples of a disturbing trend requiring immediate action.

Ojukwu emphasized that military actions must always adhere to core wartime principles: distinguishing between combatants and civilians, using proportionate force, and ensuring necessity. He warned that civilian lives should never be dismissed as collateral damage in security operations. The commission is calling for a thorough, independent investigation into all reported civilian deaths, along with justice and compensation for affected families.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has made a compelling case for international cooperation in tackling security challenges, arguing that no leader can succeed in isolation. Speaking on Thursday at the African CEO Forum in Rwanda, Tinubu drew a striking parallel with United States President Donald Trump to illustrate his point.

When asked about his approach to managing security partnerships with the United States and France, Tinubu responded by highlighting Trump’s own diplomatic engagements. He noted that even a figure as assertive as Trump is currently in China discussing Taiwan—a clear sign that global problems require collaborative solutions.

“Security challenges will always be there. Those are things you cannot do alone. You can’t operate the world in isolation. Even Trump, as bold as he is, is in China talking about Taiwan. So, who am I in Nigeria to say I will do it alone?” Tinubu stated.

The Nigerian leader emphasized the need for pragmatic collaboration and partnership with neighboring countries to enhance the safety of citizens and their property. He stressed that embracing regional cooperation is essential for making meaningful progress in security.

“I must embrace my neighbours. I must pursue pragmatic collaboration partnership, which is very necessary to assist and make progress and enhance the security of life and properties of the people,” he added.

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, has publicly expressed his grief over the untimely demise of renowned Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo. The actor passed away on Tuesday afternoon due to complications arising from kidney cancer, as reported by DAILY POST.

In a heartfelt post on his X handle on Friday, Obi shared his sorrow, stating that the news of Ekubo’s death deeply saddened him. He acknowledged the actor’s significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry and the void his passing has created among fans and colleagues.

Obi extended his condolences to Ekubo’s family, friends, and the entire Nollywood community, emphasizing the actor’s impact through his craft. He also reflected on the fragility of life, urging everyone to live with kindness and purpose. Despite the briefness of Ekubo’s journey, Obi noted that the joy and memories he left behind through his performances will endure.

Concluding his tribute, Obi prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and wished for the peaceful repose of Ekubo’s soul.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made a startling accusation, claiming that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is effectively being held as a political prisoner by President Bola Tinubu. This assertion came from Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Symfoni TV.

Abdullahi argued that the legal proceedings against El-Rufai are not about justice but are a calculated move to sideline him before the 2027 general elections. He pointed out that the charges brought against El-Rufai are all bailable, yet the court system is being manipulated to prolong his detention.

According to Abdullahi, the tactics include adjourning bail hearings and transferring cases to different courts, each time setting new distant dates for bail consideration. This, he says, is a deliberate strategy to keep El-Rufai out of the political arena.

“We are convinced that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Tinubu’s political prisoner,” Abdullahi stated. He emphasized that the ADC believes the rule of law should have secured El-Rufai’s release by now. Party leaders have been in discussions about how to escalate the matter both regionally and internationally.

Abdullahi recounted his presence in court during El-Rufai’s arraignment and a brief release for his mother’s burial before he was re-arrested. He vowed that the ADC will continue to push for El-Rufai’s freedom through all available channels.