Alleged Terrorists: Imo monarchs killers face fresh charges, March 12
The two suspected terrorists, Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku are to face fresh terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 12. Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022. The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) filed the 3-count terrorism charges against them. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022. The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act. When the charges were read to them before Justice Binta Nyako, they pleaded not guilty. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),.Simon Lough who is leading the prosecution for the Inspector General of Police told the court that Police has amended the charges following the arrest of more suspects by operatives. He requested for a date for the other suspects to be brought to court to take plea in the amended charges. Justice Binta Nyako granted the request and fixed March 12 for the fresh arraignment. The Judge ordered that the two defendants be remanded at Kuje Prison in Abuja and be returned to court on the adjourned date. Count One of the charge read “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56 yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA Imo State and others now at large on about the 17th December, 2022 at 71/2 junction Umumegwu Amanze village Obowo LGA Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert conspired together to commit Felony to wit: acts of terrorism and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Count two “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA of Imo State and others now at large on about the 17th December, 2022 at 71/2 junction Umumegwu – Amanze village Obowo LGA of Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and armed with guns and other offensive weapons attacked, kidnapped and killed HRH Eze Basil Njoku of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State on his way from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia having collected a ransom of N4,000,000.00 (four million naira) from his family and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 2(2) (f) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Count three “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56 yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA of Imo State and others now at large on about the 20th December, 2022 at Amanze village Obowo LGA of Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and having information through your communication with the kidnappers that HRH Eze Basil Njoku of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State was attacked and kidnapped on his way from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia which information was material to the apprehension of the kidnappers, you failed to immediately disclosed the information to relevant agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 16(1)(b) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
FCT police Denies reports of looted truck
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has debunked reports claiming a truck carrying food items in the Dei-Dei area of the FCT was attacked and looted on Monday morning. In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said they were unaware of such attacks. However, Adeh asked that anyone or any persons with evidence of any such activities to come forward and report to the police. “The FCT Police Command is not aware of any looting of food trucks in Dei-Dei Abuja this morning, being the 4/3/2024, but if you have any information pls, come to us with details,” the statement read.
Recruitment: Police announce 17 CBT examination centres
On Sunday, the police command in Kogi announced 17 computer-based test centres for the 2022 Nigeria Police Force recruitment. According to reports, the command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, who dropped the hint in a statement, said the recruitment scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday was only for police constables. Mr Ovye-Aya said the 17 centres were released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). “All applicants who are invited for the CBT are advised to visit the portal to print their invitation slips and come along with them to the centres. Any applicant that doesn’t have the invitation slip will not be allowed into the CBT centre,” he warned. According to him, the recruitment is free and warns applicants to be wary of job scammers, who may want to defraud them. He further advised the applicants to shun any form of examination malpractice or any other act contrary to the rules for the examination, stressing that “this is key because anybody caught will be prosecuted accordingly.”
Senate Summons Wike Over Rising Insecurity
In response to the alarming surge in kidnappings, the Senate has summoned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe. This comes after the abduction and tragic murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023. Senator Nwoko, deeply affected by the incident, sponsored a motion leading to the Senate’s resolution. The Red Chamber demanded the FCT Minister and the Police Commissioner to provide insights into the escalating kidnapping cases within Nigeria’s capital. Following an intense debate, the Senate mandated the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enhance security patrols nationwide. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras along Abuja highways and the establishment of a three-digit emergency number for swift police response were directed. In a bid to bolster emergency services, the Nigerian Communications Commission was tasked to ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for the police, ambulance, and fire services. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that both the FCT Minister and the Police Commissioner would meet with the Senate in a closed-door session. The aim is to discuss the measures and strategies in place to combat the growing threat of kidnappings not only in the FCT but across Nigeria. Akpabio concluded, “Incidences like the kidnapping and killing of Senator Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide and other residents are worrisome and must be stopped, not only in the FCT but also in Nigeria generally.”
Bandits Invade Nigerian Mosque, Kidnap Worshippers
Bandits have abducted about 30 worshippers in one of the mosques in Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The bandits invaded the mosque around 5 a.m. on Thursday when the people were about to start the morning prayer. ”We were about to start the morning prayer today, Thursday when suddenly they (bandits) entered into the mosque and directed everybody to go out and follow them. “Everybody scampered for safety but the bandits blocked everywhere and warned us that they would kill anybody who tried to run away. “I was able to jump out of the window and ran quickly into one of the uncompleted buildings near the mosque where I hid myself”, an eyewitness, Garba said. Garba maintained that the bandits left their motorcycles far away from the mosque so that the worshippers would not notice their movement. “They came on foot, leaving their motorcycles outside the town so that they would not attract the attention of the people of the area. “They later marched the worshippers to their motorcycles and took them to the forest,” he added.
Road Blocked As Kaduna Residents Protest Bandits Attack
Residents of Goningora in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway following the attack on the community by bandits. Following the attack on the night of Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, several members of the community were said to have been kidnapped and several injured. Channels Television reports that angry residents took to the streets on Thursday morning, blocking the busy Abuja-Kaduna highway. The development has caused heavy traffic on the road, with many motorists stranded. Two people, including a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, were reportedly killed in the attack. The latest attack on the Goningora community comes barely a week after soldiers killed a notorious bandit, Kingpin, Boderi Isyaku and some of his fighters in the same Chikun local government. A military armoured vehicle was said to have been set ablaze by the bandits when soldiers attempted to repel them.
Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Sunday Igboho Tells Tinubu
Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The plea, delivered through a viral video on Tuesday, coincided with Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu, who appeared in court on February 26, 2024, for the first time since a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, has been in custody since June 2021. Igboho emphasized Kanu’s innocence, urging an end to political maneuvers and highlighting the need for Kanu to be reunited with his family. Igboho stated in the video, “Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop politics. This guy didn’t do anything. Today is February 27, 2024. Release him, let him go, and stay with his family. This guy just fights for his people in the Southeast like me that I’m fighting for my people in Yorubaland. Release him, let him go. Stop these political games. Release Kanu, let him go home, please release him.”
Hunger Protests: NLC, FG Trade Tackles
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the presidency’s claim over the ongoing protests. The organized labour said the nationwide protest is not about minimum wage but hunger and economic hardship. Contrary to the Presidency’s claim that the protest revolves around the minimum wage review, NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union is addressing broader issues. Speaking on TVC, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale described the demonstrations by the NLC as needless. Ajaero accused the Federal Government of neglecting the union’s demands since the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in an increased cost of living. Expressing concerns about the minimum wage, he stated, “What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?” Highlighting the impact of deregulation, Ajaero pointed out that the rising expenses, especially in transportation, have worsened the already dire situation. The NLC proposed various solutions, including the introduction of CNG buses, but lamented the lack of implementation. Notable figures such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, NLC president Joe Ajaero, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju, and Lawyer Femi Falana actively participated in the protest in Abuja. The demonstrations have unfolded across all states in Nigeria, signaling a widespread concern for the economic well-being of the citizens.
Police Denies Sealing NLC Lagos Office
Lagos State Police command has denied a report of sealing the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday. State’s Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the report as rumour, saying the Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade only went to the NLC secretariat to address protesters. The police spokesman stated this in reaction to the rumour, and giving reasons for heightened security upgrades in hotspots around Lagos on Monday. Hundeyin told newsmen that the police proactively arrived at the NLC secretariat and other hotspots to ensure adequate security for planners of the strike and to prevent their procession from being hijacked by hoodlums. “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fayoade addressed the protesters before the procession took off in his presence. “The procession was peaceful and without any untoward incident,” Hundeyin said, adding that CP Fayoade monitored the security operation and the protest, ” he said. He stated that the protesters neither caused traffic obstruction nor got involved in violent activities. Heavily armed police operatives were seen at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, and other parts of Lagos on Monday, in readiness for a planned protest by organised labour. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC had scheduled a nationwide strike for February 27 and 28 to protest what they called hardship currently faced by Nigerians.
Nigeria Police Seal NLC Office in Lagos Ahead of Planned Protest
In a move to thwart the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, the Nigeria Police Force has sealed the NLC office in Lagos State. The protest, scheduled for February 27 and 28, is aimed at address economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Hassan Taiwo, national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), shared an image on Monday morning revealing armed police personnel stationed in front of the NLC headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State. Some individuals within the building remain uncertain about the unfolding developments. The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government regarding widespread hardship, leading to the organization of the protest. Despite warnings from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urging cancellation, the NLC remained steadfast in its decision. Accusing the government of planning to attack peaceful rallies and alleging involvement of certain groups in causing violence against protestors, the NLC President emphasized the right to peaceful protest. The statement also expressed concerns about potential deployment of state-sponsored terror, highlighting the NLC’s determination to proceed with the protest despite government warnings and concerns from various quarters.