The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that the affirmation and recognition of Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was in obedience to court orders.

Professor Yakubu, speaking through his counsel, Ahmed Mohammed, told Justice Mohammed Madugu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bwari Division, that the decision was also to purge himself of the committal order placed on him by the court.

This revelation came during a committal proceeding against the purported erstwhile chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, who narrowly escaped being committed to prison for contempt of court.

Justice Madugu had, on 9 November 2023, found both Oye and Yakubu in contempt of a court order issued on 10 May 2023. This order stemmed from a suit filed by two APGA national officers, Otumba Camaru Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, seeking to enforce a Supreme Court judgement regarding APGA’s leadership tussle.

INEC’s lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed, informed the court that the Commission had reviewed the Court of Appeal judgement delivered on 28 June 2024, which affirmed Njoku as APGA’s National Chairman.

“The Commission came out with a decision extract in compliance with the two judgements of the Court of Appeal, and which we undertake in court to serve all the parties that the commission has fully complied with the judgements; And has restored the name of the 2nd plaintiff/applicant in its website as National Chairman of APGA,” Mohammed stated. He also promised to file the meeting extract where the decision to recognise Njoku was made.

Initially, the court was set to sentence Victor Oye for contempt, as he had not taken steps to purge himself. However, Oye’s lawyer, Victor Agunzi, filed a motion for a stay of the Appeal Court judgement, citing an ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court.

“What we filed at the Court of Appeal is a motion for stay of judgement of June 28, and what we filed here in this court is that in view of the appeal at the Supreme Court, and motion for stay, my lord should stay further proceedings,” Agunzi argued.

Justice Madugu adjourned the case to 28 October for the hearing of Oye’s motion.

The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to use gold to shore up the nation’s reserves in defence of the economy.

The bill sponsored by Senator Sani Musa ( APC, Niger East) titled “ Foreign Exchange (Control and Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353)” was thrown out after debates by lawmakers who opposed it.

Musa stated that the bill was read for the first time on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

He noted that the bill sought to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish a Foreign Exchange Market in Nigeria, to make provisions for the control, monitoring, and supervision of transactions conducted in the Foreign Exchange Market.

The Niger lawmaker stated that the objective of the bill sought to “ To establish a foreign exchange market.

“To provide for the regulation, monitoring, and supervision of the transactions conducted in the market and for related matters.

“To contribute to the sound development of the National Economy by striving to facilitate foreign transactions and to maintain an equilibrium of balance of International payments.”

He added that the bill would also move to stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions; – To maintain an equilibrium of the balance of International payments, and – To stabilize the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and other foreign transactions by revitalising market functionality.“

He said that the bill attempts to expand Section (1) of the existing Act to incorporate three new provisions to make for clarity and to empower the Central Bank of Nigeria to administer, control, and manage all dealings and transactions concerning foreign exchange matters.

Musa said, “The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange.

“Clause 6 of the Bill introduces New Sub-clauses (2), (4) and (5) which require authorised dealers to: Render returns to the CBN on sources of foreign exchange over $10,000 and utilisation of same, and obtain prior approval of the CBN when seeking to import foreign currency notes.

“Part Ill of the Bill makes elaborate provisions for the grant of a license to carry on business dealings in foreign exchange. In this part, provisions were made for refusal of license, suspension or revocation of license, review and appeal, etc.

“Clause 18 (1) (a) and (b) were added to expand the scope of dealers in the market and where funds are purchased from the Bank. The market rate may be subject to rules and regulations prescribed by the Bank. “

He submitted, “The operation of domiciliary account shall be as prescribed by the bank and the powers of the CBN have been widened to prescribe how foreign exchange may be accepted for the payment for goods and services in Nigeria.

“Mr President the future of any nation is a function of her ability as a nation to manage its economy efficiently and optimally. Intrinsically linked to the wellness of a country’s economy is the state of its Foreign Exchange Market usually regulated by a foreign exchange regime.”

The United States Agency for International Development and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Powehaver signed a memorandum of understanding to unlock N115 billion investment in the country to tackle electricity challenges.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Power Ministry, the MOU was signed by USAID’s Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman.

Accordingly, the investment was part of a US government grant-funded technical assistance program intended to support power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.

“Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and to provide a framework for our partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, the electricity generation and distribution sectors and the off-grid sector. It is laudable and timely,” Jones stated.

Speaking on the investment in Nigeria, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed gratitude for USAID’s continued support toward ending Nigeria’s power sector challenges.

“This partnership with USAID is a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving a sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will tackle the longstanding challenges in the power sector, ensuring transparency, enhancing market liquidity, and accelerating our transition to clean energy solutions,” he stated.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development,” it stated.

The development comes as Nigeria’s power sector challenges across distribution, generation and transmission sectors have continued to fetter.

This is because more than 85 million Nigerians have no access to grid power, and many have suffered from unreliable power supply decades after privatization in 2013.

The Imo State Police Command is aware of an online publication by Sahara Reporters on 10/07/2024, captioned; “Police Community Official Accuses Imo State DPO of Sexual Assault, Harassment of Female Officers” wherein allegations of sexual assault, harassment and intimidation of female officers were purported against the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) of New Owerri, by one Chief Ogumba Onyeaghala who claimed to be a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) of New Owerri Division.

This was contained in a Statement issued in Owerri yesterday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Henry Okoye, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The Statement said: “After conducting a thorough investigation, the Command wishes to inform the general public that the allegations leveled against the DPO as contained in the petition are unfounded, malicious, and mischievous.

To begin with, the said Chief Ogumba Onyeagahala is not a member of PCRC New Owerri Division as he alleged in the petition. His address and phone numbers on the petition are fake. Hence, all efforts to reach out to him to substantiate his allegations proved abortive.”

“More so, the PCRC New Owerri has written a disclaimer to the Commissioner of Police, distancing itself from the purported allegations against the DPO, noting that the Divisional PCRC has on several occasions commended the DPO for his remarkable leadership style and proactive efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties of the residents of New Owerri as it remains one of the safest areas in the State.

The officers whose names appeared on the petition and other principal officers serving at New Owerri Division have been interviewed separately and they unequivocally stated that the contents of the petition were entirely false, revealing further that they enjoy a cordial working relationship with their DPO. That he is a disciplined and dedicated officer who is highly committed to discharging his duties professionally, without any gender discrimination or harassment.”

“It is crucial to state that contrary to the allegations made by the Sahara reporters in the Publication, the Police Public Relations Officer was never contacted to get the Command’s reaction on the said issue before publishing a very sensational report that borders on the conduct and reputation of the DPO.

Without any ambivalence, the Command views the publications as a deliberate and concerted attempt by mischief makers to dampen the reputation and morale of the Divisional Police Officers as well as the already established confidence he has built in the minds of the residents of New Owerri. Efforts are in progress to apprehend the originator and purveyors of the misleading publication.”

Okoye further said: “The Command calls on the general public, particularly the residents of New Owerri to disregard the mischievous publications and continue to support the DPO in his quest for public safety. Media print correspondents are advised to always verify their news content before publishing, as all forms of misinformation and misleading content might cause disaffection to the public.

To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirms the Command’s unalloyed dedication to discharging its constitutional mandates while ensuring that its personnel are protected from any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.”

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has warned Nigerians against paying for electricity distribution infrastructures such as transformers, cables or poles.

In a statement shared alongside a video on X on Tuesday, NERC emphasised that consumers should not be coerced into purchasing transformers, cables, or poles, as this responsibility lies squarely with the distribution companies.

The statement reads, Is your distribution company expecting you to buy transformers, cables, or poles? Dont! It is the DisCos obligation, not yours! NERC stated emphatically.

The regulatory body urged consumers to report any coercion or delays in providing necessary materials by the distribution companies.

The statement added, Report any coercion to purchase, or delays in providing these materials to NERC for prompt action.

NERC assured the public of prompt action upon receiving such complaints.

To facilitate this, NERC said it has established a dedicated email and phone number for reporting issues related to network investments.

Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Lagos Federal High Court, Ikoyi has ordered the final forfeiture of $16.5 million and N127 million which were fraudulently diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the federal government of Nigeria.

Justice Ogundare finally forfeited the monies, while granting an application for such orders, which was filed and moved by an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Sulaiman I. Sulaiman, today.

The monies, according to the EFCC, were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The judge had on May 23, 2024, ordered the interim forfeiture of the monies, while granting an Exparte motion, brought before the court pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14. 2006; and Section 44 (2)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended)

The court after forfeiting the monies in the interim on May 23, 2024, had directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, to show cause why the monies should not be finally forfeited.

However, at the resumed hearing of the final forfeiture of the money, counsel to the EFCC, Suleiman Suleiman, informed the court that pursuant to your lordships order made on May 23, 2024, that the order be published, the publication of the order was made on June 6, 2024, on a national daily.

The said application is supported by 22 paragraphs deposed to by Oghare Ogbole, an investigator with the EFCC.

The application is accompanied with two exhibits, the Interim order of the court and Punch publication of June 26, 2024. And Its supported with the written address.

We most respectively adopt same and urge the court to grant the relief sought.

Justice Ogundare after listening to the EFCC lawyer held that order granted as prayed.

The EFCC in the affidavit support of the application made the followings: That on the 2nd October, 2013, the management of NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi vide letter referenced: NIMASA 2007/DG/NSA/2013/006 dated 2/10/13, requested for the release of the sum of N1,123,400 billion, for the implementation of International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) projects.

That on the 4th day of November 2013, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, through the National Security Adviser (NSA) approved the requested sum of N1,123,400 billion. And that upon the release of the first tranche in the sum of N1, 123, 400 billion, an account No. 0060559139, domiciled in Access Bank was opened on 03/1/14, in which Captain Bala Ezekiel Agaba, the Chairman of the ISPS Committee/Executive Director, NIMASA, Mr. Victor I. Onuzurike and Mr. Dele T, Ejekukor are signatories.

That no sooner had the money hit the Committees account, one Mr. Uche Obilor, a close associate of the chairman of the committee, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba received that total sum of N437,726,666.66 million, through his company known as Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited with account number 005326440 domiciled in Access Bank.

That the said Mr. Uche Obilor equally received another whopping sum of N402,480 million, through his company Southern Offshore Limited with Zenith Bank Plc., account number 1013224100. And that also, the said Mr. Uche Obilor used his company known as Ace Prothesis Limited to receive the total sum of N66,800 million, through its account number 1012583949, domiciled in Zenith Bank Pic.,

That out of the N437,726,666.66 million, paid to Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited, the total sum of N187 million, was transferred to Usaini Sabo on 06/03/2014, 10/06/2014, 12/06/2014 and 09/07/2014, who in turn converted same to US Dollars and handed them over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

That from the said sum paid to Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited, the total sum of N67 million, was on the 23rd July, 2014, paid to Kofar Fada Limited, who also converted the money to US Dollars and handed over same to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba. And that the sum of N66,800 million, received by Uche Obilor through his company Ace Prothesis Limited from NIMASA was equally converted to personal use without rendering any service to the agency.

That from the sum of N402,480 million, received by Uche Obilor through his company Southern Offshore Limited from NIMASA, the total sum of N268 million, was paid to one Usaini Sabo, who said sum to US Dollars and handed same over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

That from the sum of N402,480 million, received from NIMASA by Mr. Uche Obilor through his company Southern Offshore Limited, the total sum of N103,100 million, was equally transferred to Haji Kawu Investment Bureau De Change and Lekay Leads Ventures Limited, which sums were equally converted to US Dollars and handed over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

That the various sums of money transferred to the companies of Mr. Uche Obilor from the treasury of NIMASA were fraudulent in that these companies neither rendered any service nor supply goods to the agency. Rather, the funds were largely converted to Dollars for personal use and the remaining retained by Mr. Uche Obilor.

That during the course of investigation, the total sum of $16,500 USD cash, was recovered by the Commission, part of the funds diverted from the treasury of NIMASA. And that for using his companies as mentioned above, Mr. Uche Obilor, upon invitation to the Commission during the course of investigation agreed to return the sum of N118 million, admittedly received and retained by his companies from the funds fraudulently converted from the treasury of NIMASA.

That Mr. Uche Obilor voluntarily raised drafts through First City Monument Bank in the name of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which sums are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

That the funds sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful act of diversion of funds from the treasury of NIMASA, through Mr. Uche Obilor, his companies and other cronies.

That I know as a fact that Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, the then Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development of NIMASA was convicted, sentenced by this Honourable Court, per Buba, J (rtd) and subsequently granted pardon by the Council of State.

That in view of the findings in preceding paragraphs and upon a thorough analysis of the evidence on record, this Honourable Court on the 23 day of May 2024 made an interim order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria in favour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) the assets sought to be forfeited.

That I know as a fact and verily believe that this Honourable Court on the said 23 day of May, 2024 also directed the Applicant herein to publish in any national daily the said interim order of forfeiture to enable any interested party to appear before the Court to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, in favour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

That in compliance with the order of this Honourable Court, the Applicant herein published in The Punch newspaper of 6th June, 2024, the interim order of this Honourable Court.

That I also know as a fact and verily believe that notwithstanding the Order of this Honourable Court directing any interested party to appear and show cause why the assets sought to be forfeited should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria in favour of NIMASA, no person or party had served any affidavit showing cause on the Applicant herein.

That this Honourable Court has the requisite power and jurisdiction to grant this application. And that it is in the best interest of Justice to hear and determine this application.

A group, 21st-Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience (21st CYNDAC) has frowned at President Bola Tinubus silence on the unending political crisis in Rivers State, describing it as disturbing, worrisome and unacceptable.

A statement by the leader of the youth group, Izon Ebi, condemned the long silence of the President, noting that the reason for the current crisis and skirmishes by political actors in Rivers State was not far-fetched.

Ebi accused Tinubu of refusing to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to order.

He warned that Wikes quest for political control of a state governor and government apparatus should not be sanctioned and approved by the President, as it seems to be at the moment.

According to him, the reason for the political crisis in Rivers State is a fight between a political godfather and a godson, as well as a resistance to the capture of state resources and institutions for the use and benefit of a godfather and his people.

Parts of the statement read, The 21st-century youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience ( 21st CYNDAC ) condemn the silence of Mr President to call his minister to order.

The reason for the political crisis in Rivers State is not far-fetched. Its a fight between a renegade political Godfather and a godson; its a resistance to the capture of state Resources and institutions for the use and benefit of a godfather and his loyalists.

The 21st Century youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with conscience ( 21st CYNDAC) use this medium to admonish the adversaries to allow peace to reign and allow state institutions to function according to the dictates of the Constitution.

There is no position in the Constitution whereby a man becomes a state and openly boasts of making a state ungovernable and the Federal government.

With all the countrys instruments of coercion is loudly silent and tacitly giving support to a godfather without taking cognizance of the welfare of citizens of the state into consideration.

Undermining the authority of the state governor by laying siege at local government headquarters by the Nigerian police is an act of taking partisanship to the extreme as the past government of Wike sacked a duly elected local government council and replaced them with caretaker, the Police or any other agency of government never laid siege on the council areas despite the fact that Amaechi was also a Minister and was in a chummy relationship with the then President.

The newly appointed 22 Justices of the Court of Appeal will be inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Wednesday July 10.

They are to be sworn in alongside the 12 Judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory same day at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at

Director of Information and Press of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, confirmed that the inauguration of the jurists would hold at 10:00 am.

The new Justices are: Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State and Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively.

Others are Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State.

The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.

The chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa-Kwarra yesterday, July 8, said Nigeria needs to conduct the much-awaited National Population and Housing Census to meet up with the 2020 round of censuses.

Isa-Kwarra said the commission was ready to conduct the census but waiting for the nod of President Bola Tinubu.

He disclosed this in Abuja while briefing reporters during the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day with the theme: Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All, held at the NPC headquarters.

Isa-Kwarra said the country would have a very robust census that would provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable but acceptable by all.

He assured that: If we start now, we can achieve it. At least the 2020 round of census gives us an opportunity to extend up till April next year. So, if we start preparation now by April next year, we should be able to conduct a census. But we would like to work in November. At the beginning of the year, we wanted to conduct a census in November but we are waiting for that nod.

I agree with you that we do not have up-to-date data because we have not conducted a census. And the global body recommends that we conduct censuses as at when due. Yes, the 2020 round of censuses is ending this year and we have been making advocacy to make sure that we conduct a census before the 2020 round of censuses comes to an end.

I want to believe that we will get it right, we are just waiting on President Bola Tinubu to give us the go-ahead. We can do it. The commission is prepared to conduct a census once we have a date proclaimed by the president, we will do it once we have the resources to be able to recruit extra hands to help us. We would have a very robust census that will provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable but acceptable to all.

To have the right information/evidence/data for measuring and predicting likely demographic shifts, we need to hold a census that will deploy modern technology to generate timely, reliable and acceptable data required for addressing the different needs of the various population groups and implement interventions that will create opportunities for progress and removes barriers and inhibitions. This will guarantee individuals realizing their full potential.

Nigeria needs to strengthen its data generating institutions; adequately fund periodic data collection exercises that are inclusive and comprehensive; and most importantly provide a legislative frame to engender timely conduct of censuses as well as promote the use of these data to guide policy decisions. Some of the key messages to reflect on going forward, include That inclusive and reliable data/evidence can enable ascertaining a peaceful and prosperous future, and the building of resilient systems and societies; Data collection and analysis tools should be deployed to facilitate good representation and use of data; That Nigeria should champion data collection that counts people in their diversity and in all their complexity; That our data collection exercise, particularly for the upcoming Population and Housing Census would be Inclusive compliant and leaving no one behind.

Nigeria, Isa-Kwarra said was among nations that did not have sufficient, comprehensive, and inclusive data to evaluate its performance, achievements or challenges during the regional review of AADPD+10 and for ICPD@30 PoA reporting during the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development, early this year. He said: Therefore, I wish to reiterate that the theme calls for the evaluation of our data generating systems/institutions; our perceptions on issues of data and has raised a concern we should not ignore, but collectively (government at all levels, individuals, the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), Partners, Donor, leaderships of Religion, Culture and Tradition including the private sectors) resolve it in the shortest possible time.

The Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said Nigeria needs all-inclusive data to plan.

Adeniran said NBS is always working hand in hand with NPC to have a credible census acceptable to all.

Building a resilient and equitable future requires a collective commitment from every sector and segment Nigerians and Nigeria

To our policymakers: Data should be your compass. Let it guide your decisions and ensure they reach every Nigerian.

To the private sector: Invest in the collection, analysis and utilization of inclusive data. Not only will it benefit society, but it will also unlock new market opportunities by providing a clearer picture of consumer demographics and needs.

To civil society organizations: Champion the importance of data and ensure all communities are included in the data production process, he said

The Federal Government on Monday announced the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders.

The foods include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this while announcing a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kyari said: 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

I am glad to reiterate that the Governments position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.

In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.

The Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, Mikah Suleiman has regained his freedom from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.

Suleimans release was announced in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Pascal Salifu.

The statement read, We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time.

Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikahs release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.

Salifu urged people to continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priests abduction on Saturday, saying, Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church.

We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.

An unidentified man has climbed a mast on Katampe Hill in Abuja on Monday, declaring his willingness to sacrifice his life to address the pressing issues facing Nigerians.

The man reportedly left a suicide note at the base of the mast, demanding the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy and calling for other government measures to alleviate the hardships experienced by the populace.

The note read, These are the major Nigerian problems, and Im ready to sacrifice my life for the solution to them. I am calling for fellow Nigerians to join me on this riot.

In his five-point list, he wrote, On behalf of fellow Nigerians, I demand the following: Government should return fuel subsidy.

Government should declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno on insecurity matters and take immediate action to clear terrorism in the above listed states and the country at large.

Government should open borders for food importation in order to eradicate food shortages in the country.

Government should immediately respond to the problem of out-of-school children, which is increasing rapidly.

The family of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has warned the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, to focus on his ministry and stop disparaging their son in the name of prophesy.

The warning is coming on the heels of Saturdays prophesy by Ayodele where he reportedly told Kanu to beg the Nigerian government or die in jail.

Kanus family spoke as the Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU, commended the recent decision by the South East governors to approach President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of Kanu and urged them to put more effort to actualise his freedom.

This is even as a former governorship aspirant in Anambra State, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has advised politicians, especially those from the South-East, against compounding the travails of Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that their current postures might worsen his problems.

Primate Ayodele during the launch of his 30th Warning to the Nations at his church in Lagos, said: Kanu should beg the government before he is released or else he will die in jail. But piqued by the comment credited to the Primate, Kanus family asked him to focus on his church and stop making provocative utterances against the IPOB leader under the guise of prophesy.

Kanus younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, in a statement, told the Primate to stop deceiving gullible minds with purported prophesies that have nothing to do with God. He also told the cleric to focus on his calling and stop seeking relevance through misdirected and provocative comments on Kanu.

Kanus family warned seers to keep their visions to themselves and stop using their sons name to seek public attention and draw traffic.

Kanunta reminded the Primate that God whose mouthpiece he is claiming to be is a God of justice who does not punish the innocent.

According to him, Kanu committed no crime but was unjustly incarcerated simply for demanding justice and fair treatment for his oppressed Biafra people.

Ayodele should be courageous enough to tell the world what God said about the murderous invasion of our family home that resulted in the death of ou parents and the murder of 28 other innocent visitors to our home. The righteous God I know cannot count the masterminds of this atrocity guiltless and hold their victim accountable.

Four persons have been reportedly killed by trees that fell on them at the popular Jattu market in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State .

Several others, including traders and shoppers, sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident. It was gathered that about four trees fell simultaneously on traders and customers in the market following a heavy morning downpour yesterday morning.

It was gathered that a mother and her child were among the victims.

The chairman of the Local Government, Marvellous Zibiri, who spoke to newsmen confirmed that four persons lost their lives.

However, at the plenary of the Edo State House of Assembly, a lawmaker, Abdulganniyu Akokhia said over 10 persons were reported to have died in the incident.

The LG chairman said, Around 8:00 am and 9:00 am, I got a call from my vice chairman and the supervisory councillor for environment about the incident that happened at Jattu market.

During the rainfall four trees in the market fell simultaneously while people were taking cover under the trees, thereby killing four persons and many injured.

So far, we have been able to recover four bodies and we have taken them to the mortuary while those who sustained injuries are at the hospital responding to treatment.

Zibiri added that a rescue operation is still ongoing at the scene as the trees are being cut in pieces, to ascertain if there are other bodies under the trees.

The council chairman, who described the incident as tragic, also sympathized with families who lost their loved ones at the market.

He, however, appealed to residents of the local government to stay indoors whenever it rains.