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No jail attack in the last one year – Tunji-Ojo

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 The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says that there’s no case of jail attack in the last one year across the 256 custodial centres in Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo said this while briefing pressmen on the 2024 achievements of the ministry and its six agencies on Tuesday in Abuja.

He, however, said that what the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) experienced were jail breaks in Suleja, Niger state and Maiduguri, Borno State respectively.

He also said that the jailbreaks which occured in the two custodial centres were as a result heavy downpour and flood in the two states respectively.

He added that Suleja custodial centre was affected by the rain, bringing down a part of the wall of the building.

According to him, inmates escaped in Maiduguri Custodial Centre because of the flood that affected part of the custodial centre.

“But in the last year, we’ve not had any attack nor any external aggression. The Nigeria Correctional Service has been proactive in terms of intelligence and security of custodial facilities.

“For instance, Suleja jail break happened because of rain and that’s also because of the old walls. And for Maiduguri, it was due to the flood and these are forces of nature.”

Read Also: Police nab two over alleged kidnap, murder of aged woman

On other infrastructural improvements, the minister highlighted the ongoing renovation of decades-old correctional facilities and barracks in several states, including Sokoto, Kaduna, and Osun among others.

“We are presently constructing and rehabilitating our custodial centres, because a lot of our custodial centres are so old. I’ll give you an example.

“One was built in 1956, infact the one in Suleja, I think it was built in 1914 and the one in Nasarawa, I think it was built in the 1880s.

” So we have correctional centers that are 100 years old, 200 years old, 60 years old, 70 years old and many more, so, we need to intervene and as a responsible government, that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo added that efforts to modernise facilities included the installation of CCTV surveillance systems in correctional centers, a move aimed at preventing security breaches such as jailbreaks.

“This is to ensure that what happened in Kuji years ago does not happen again, you know, and we have been able to do that.

“Real-time surveillance now allows us to monitor activities in these facilities and respond swiftly to threats,” he said.

(NAN)

Police nab suspect linked to kidnap of medical students in Benue

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The Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja said it has arrested a suspect linked with the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 medical students in Benue.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 7, Mr Benneth Igweh said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

Igweh said the suspect and two others, now at large, were members of a gang that specialises in armed robbery and kidnapping in Benue and environs.

According to him, the suspect had confessed being a member of the gang responsible for the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 doctors in Benue.

He said the suspect had also confessed to have carried out several robbery operations along Adiga Road in Benue where he had snatched different motorcycles from travelers.

Igweh said the suspect who admitted selling the motorcycles and sharing the proceeds with his gang members, said he used a lot of charms for protection during his criminal operations.

The AIG said the suspect also confessed to selling his rifle to one retired soldier in Akpodo for N25,000.

Read Also: Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

He said efforts were being intensified by the zone to ensure that the fleeing members of the gang were apprehended and prosecuted.

Similarly, Igweh said detectives attached to the Zone 7 Special Investigation Unit (SIU), recently arrested three suspects over theft of electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

He said the arrest followed an intelligence report that criminal elements around FCT, Kaduna and Nasarawa States had stolen electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

The AIG said the intelligence revealed that the items were assembled around the Kubwa and Bwari axis of the FCT.

“Detectives attached to the Zone 7 SIU moved swiftly, which led to the arrest of the three suspects behind an abandoned filling station in kagini area of Kubwa and the recovery of the transformers.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the transformers are usually brought in very late at night and upon interrogation, the suspects said the transformers were brought to them by owners for repairs.

“Further investigation reveals that only three out of the recovered transformers were genuinely brought to them for repairs,” he said.

Igweh called on members of the public whose transformers were stolen to come forward with their proof of ownership to claim them.

(NAN)

Tinubu inaugurates multiple projects in Kogi

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated projects executed by Gov. Ahmed Ododo in his one year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded the Ododo for executing such a number of projects in a short time.

The president said that the projects would positively impact the lives of Kogi citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects inaugurated include Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction road (9 km), Zone 8-Crusher Road (5.5 km), and 350-bed hostels for students at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH).

Read Also: Tinubu congratulates six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

Others are the demonstration farm, two faculties in the university, and some private health centres across the state.

Ododo, in his remarks, said the projects were a demonstration of his desire to improve the well-being of the people of Kogi.

The governor said that the projects, scattered across the state, were part of his campaign promises to the people who elected him into office.

He thanked his predecessors for laying a solid foundation for him to consolidate upon for the growth and development of the state.

NAN reports that Shettima was accompanied by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

NAN also reports that Shettima and his entourage were taken to the Government House, were they had some private chats with stakeholders in the state before moving to Muhammadu Buhari Square for the proper anniversary celebration.

(NAN)

Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

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The Kano State Police Command said it has recovered explosives and dangerous weapons allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded National Tijjaniyya Maulud in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo-Garba,told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday that the explosives were reportedly recovered at Tokarawa village of Gezawa Local Government area.

He said that the command had made a significant breakthrough in maintaining peace and security in the state.

Dogo-Garba explained that the recovered explosives and weapons were allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded event.

He said that the police, in collaboration with state agencies, foiled the terror plot and recovered the explosives reportedly intended for use during the Maulud.

Dogo-Garba started the police have commenced an intensive investigation to identify those behind the alleged botched plot.

” This proactive measure demonstrates the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike,”the CP said.

Read Also: Police nab two over alleged kidnap, murder of aged woman

Dogo-Garba said the command had also arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of Alhaji Atiku Mu’azu, a 64-year-old resident of Janbulo Quarters, Kano.

The suspects, Abubakar Hassan, aka Captain, Adamu  Adam, and Alhaji Hamisu aka Bakin Bross, were nabbed after a sustained follow-up and intelligence-led operation.

He said in another incident, armed men invaded the residence of Alhaji Auwalu at Sabuwar Unguwa Garo, Kabo LGA, Kano, robbing him of N8 million and kidnapping his 16-year-old daughter, Zainab Aliyu.

Dogo-Garba said that the police had launched an investigation to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

In a separate operation, he said,the police arrested 17 suspected armed robbers who stormed Hotoro, Kawu Quarters, Kano, breaking shops and motor vehicles, and attacking innocent people.

“Three additional suspected armed robbers were also arrested for attacking two innocent people and robbing them of 200 mobile phones at Yankatsari Quarters, Kano,” Dogo-Garba said.

He urged the residents of the state to continue to support the command with credible intelligence information to prevent future threats.

The commissioner urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and cautious.

Dogo-Garba called on them to promptly  report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or through the command’s contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.

(NAN) 

Ibadan teacher bags 2-year jail term for stealing €20, phone

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A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Mapo in Ibadan has sentenced a teacher, Adebayo Osayemi, to two years imprisonment for stealing his employer’s phone and money, totaling N237,000.

Delivering judgment, the Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Latunji, stated that she convicted and sentenced Osayemi based on evidences tendered against him by the police as well as his guilty plea.

“Osayemi is hereby, sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour, without any option of fine,” Latunji said.

Read Also: Alleged cybercrime: Court grants Speed Darlington to N20m bail 

Earlier, the police prosecution, Insp Oluseye Akinola, had told the court that the convict committed the offence on Jan. 13, at No.3, Church St., Behind Fagbemi filling station, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the prosecution, Osayemi, carefully monitored the movement of one Funmilayo Adesinmi, the complainant and proprietress of Montesseri Gofas Nursery and Primary School Ibadan, before strolling into her office to strike.

He further said that Adesinmi told the police investigator that she briefly left her office to buy food stuff from a nearby market, leaving three children behind in the school when the convict entered the office.

Akinola stated that Adesinmi’s daughter had seen Osayemi moving in and they discovered that €20, equivalent to N35,000 and a Techno Smart 4 phone she left on her desk, valued at N95,000, had disappeared.

The prosecutor also said that the convict, before his arrest, transferred N82,000 and N25,000 from Adesinmi’s Money Point and First bank accounts to his Opay and UBA accounts, respectively.

He stated that the offence contravened the provision of Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Law of Oyo State 2000. 

(NAN) 

NAHCON announces fare for 2025 hajj

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 The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed N8.7 million as the Hajj fare for the intending pilgrims from Southern States and N8.3 million for those  from Borno and Adamawa Zone.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Monday in Abuja.

Usman also said that intending pilgrims from the Northern Zone would pay N8.4 million as Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The NAHCON boss described the hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all the stakeholders.

He appreciated the support of the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.

Read Also: LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

” The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

” The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million.

” Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8. 78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8. 46 million..”

He said the leadership of NAHCON, in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, did their best to maintain the hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

” This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

” For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. ”

The chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and the Saudi guidelines, while emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that intending pilgrims who benefited from the Federal Government’s N90 billion Hajj intervention across the zones paid N6.8 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

However, intending pilgrims who paid their Hajj fare after the subsidy from Borno and Adamawa zone paid N8.2million.

Similarly, those from the North zone paid N8.2 million while intending pilgrims from the Southern zone paid N8.4 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

(NAN) 

Donald Trump to be sworn in as US president today

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Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as president of the United States in Washington on Monday, returning to the White House for a second term four years after his initial re-election bid ended in defeat.

Trump, a Republican, will replace outgoing President Joe Biden in the top U.S. political office at noon (1900 GMT), two and a half months after defeating outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election.

Biden had defeated Trump in 2020, but stepped aside as the Democratic candidate mid-campaign in July amid intense concerns about his age and mental fitness.

Trump, who has long refused to acknowledge his defeat in the 2020 election, ultimately stayed away from Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in January 2021, breaking with tradition.

Earlier that month, Trump’s insistence that he won and that his “victory” was stolen from him led to the storming of the Capitol in Washington, the seat of the U.S. Congress, by his supporters.

Read Also: ‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

Biden, on the other hand, is set to attend the ceremony as per tradition.

In the morning, Trump is scheduled to attend a service at St. John’s Church in Washington.

After the swearing-in ceremony, the Bidens are then set to receive the Trumps for tea at the White House.

The inauguration was originally meant to take place outside on the west side of the Capitol as usual, but was relocated indoors as Washington was experiencing stuck in sub-zero temperatures.

After taking the oath of office, Trump will deliver his inaugural speech as the 47th President of the United States of America.

(dpa/NAN) 

BREAKING: Alleged N12.3bn fraud: Otudeko’s counsel protests in court

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Counsel to the Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, charged with N12.3 billion fraud, on Monday appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos in protest of the charge.

Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN) told the court that he was protesting  because the charge had not been served on Otudeko and two others charged along with him.

Olanipekun is the council to the three defendants.

Read Also: Alleged cybercrime: Court grants Speed Darlington to N20m bail 

The 13-count charge was  preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Otudeko, a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc., Olabisi Onasanya; and a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo.

They were charged alongside a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

EFCC alleged that the defendants obtained the sum under false pretences.

Details shortly…

‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

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…Administration to send 100 to 200 officers to city on day two of new presidency

The administration of united president elect Donald Trump’s is reportedly planning to launch a large immigration raid in Chicago the day after he takes office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with planning.

The raid, expected to start on Tuesday, would last all week, the newspaper said, adding that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) would send between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.

Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. But a source with knowledge of the incoming administration’s plans said Ice would intensify enforcement across the country and there would not be a special focus on Chicago or surge of personnel there.

“We’re going to be doing operations all across the country,” the person said. “You’re going to see arrests in New York. You’re going to see arrests in Miami.”

Read Also: FULL LIST: Six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, told an event in Chicago that the administration was “going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois”, the Journal reported.

“And if the Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us, if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him,” he was quoted as saying.

Immigration was at the center of Trump’s campaign in the lead-up to the 5 November presidential election.

“Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” Trump said in January 2024.

Trump is expected to mobilize agencies across the US government to help him deport record numbers of immigrants, Reuters has reported, building on efforts in his first term to tap all available resources and pressure so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions to cooperate.

Newsnow

Heavy security as Ondo LG election commences

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The local government LG election in Ondo State, on Saturday, commenced with heavy security presence across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that personnel of the Nigeria police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were observed at polling centres and strategic places.

As early as 7:00a.m., security personnel were seen at strategic points on major roads across the state, including the front of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Akure, and on the Airport Road in Akure North LGA.

Read Also: Lagos Assembly names new principal officers

Also at Agbogbo roundabout, Fiwasaye/Mobil junction and in front of the A Division, Nigeria Police, on Oba Adesida Road, teams of security personnel were seen enforcing the restriction of movement order as they turned back vehicles and persons who were not on essential duties.

In Okitipupa and environs, personnel of security agencies were also seen on major roads as well as at some polling units.

NAN, however, reports that some residents went about their businesses as some youths were seen at the Ijapo Housing Estate field playing soccer as well as at Ward 10 Unit, Odo-Ikoyi in Akure South LGA.

Commercial activities were also noticed in some areas of the state, as some shop owners and food vendors opened for business.

(NAN)