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Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho has vowed to go after bandits hiding in forests across the South-West region, provided the government permits him.
Speaking via a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, Igboho lamented that he can no longer stand by and watch bandits attacking, killing and raping his people.
He insisted that he is always ready to defend his kinsmen against activities of bandits and rogue herders, adding that it is a wicked act to unleash violence on innocent farmers trying to earn a living.
He said, “I can’t fold my arms and refuse to stop the marauding bandits and herdsmen attacking, raping and killing my people engaging in farming and other legitimate activities in various communities.
“I will go after the bandits and herdsmen lurking in the forests and some communities in the South West provided the government gives me the go-ahead to do so.
“I am always ready to defend and protect my kinsmen anywhere in the South-West against the inimical activities of bandits and rogue herders, who have already infiltrated our forests.
“It is callous and unjustifiable for anyone or group of people to unleash violence on innocent farmers earning their living anywhere in Nigeria. Government and other relevant stakeholders must rise to ensure the safety of the citizenry.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo following the recommendation of the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of Oyo Kingdom.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, made the announcement on Friday.
He explained that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, noted that the appointment resolves the legal and social disputes that followed the former Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s death on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.
The government expressed hope that the reign of Prince Abimbola Owoade would bring peace, unity and prosperity to Oyo Kingdom.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday said that illegal and hidden activities like prostitution and drugs peddling will now be included in the calculation of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Meanwhile, NBS has proposed 2019 as a new GDP base year and 2024 as new base year for inflation computation.
NBS disclosed this at a sensitization workshop on GDP and Consumer Price Index, CPI Rebasing organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
According to the bureau, 2019 was proposed as the new GDP base year because economic activities were relatively stable during the year, compared to subsequent years disrupted by the impact of COVID and policy shifts..
The bureau added that the rebased GDP is expected to capture new segments such as the digital economy, activities of pension fund administrators, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF), activities of modular refineries, domestic households as employers of labour and coverage of illegal and hidden activities.
Elaborating on the inclusion of illegal and hidden activities in the classification of economic activities for computation of the GDP, Head of National Accounts, NBS, Dr. Baba Madu, said: “Illegal activities will be in line with the national best practices, that is System of National Accounts, SNA 2008.
“If you are into, for instance, drugs, there are some countries, it is this drug that is driving their economy. It is illegal here because there is no legal backing. Also prostitution, they also earn income. Some even live bigger than those in the formal sector. The SNA does not say no to these, it is we. But the challenge is the legal backing and how do we get the data.
“And then, of course, the hidden economy. If I ask you, how much do you earn in a month, you will lower your income. Or if somebody is selling provision in a store, and before you know it he started selling India hemp. Those are the things we are seeing. There are challenges all over the world. But the beauty is that they are less than 3.0 to 3.5% of the GDP.”
Highlighting the importance of the GDP and CPI rebasing exercise, Statistician General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, said: “The rebasing is a vital exercise that ensures our economic indicators are current and accurate reflections of the economic realities on the ground. As economies evolve, new industries emerge, and consumption patterns shift, it becomes imperative to update our statistical measures to capture these changes. Rebasing our GDP and CPI allows us to align with these transformations, providing a more precise and relevant picture of Nigeria’s economic landscape. This process is foundational to informed policymaking, strategic planning, and effective governance; hence, it is one exercise that NBS is conducting with significant importance and professionalism.
Highlighting the benefits of GDP rebasing, Chief Executive Officer, NESG, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, in his welcome address, said: “Accurate data enhances credibility. Our debt-to-GDP ratio, a critical indicator of fiscal health, dropped from 19% to 11% after the 2014 rebasing.
“This improved Nigeria’s creditworthiness, making us a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Investors are drawn to transparency and growth potential, and rebasing sends a clear message: we understand our economy, and we are open for business.
“Second, rebasing sharpens policymaking. It provides a detailed map of our economic terrain, enabling governments to identify high-growth sectors for scaling and low-growth sectors that require targeted interventions to drive impactful and balanced development. For example, after Ghana’s 2010 rebasing—which resulted in a 60% GDP increase—its policymakers could better plan for infrastructure and social investments, fueling sustained growth.”
Catholic Priest Quits Priesthood After 17 Years - Embraces Traditional Religion, Gets Married
AFOLABI
Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has announced that he has resigned from the priesthood to embrace the African traditional religion.
Obiagbaosogu, a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, disclosed this after defending his PhD Dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Obiagbaosogu, who is now married, said he was fascinated by the traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking, adding that Africa possesses enormous resources and value which have been eroded by colonial powers.
He disclosed that he spent several months studying under a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of the craft, adding that he conducted research intending to recover the lost African value.
“I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion. The topic of my research is ‘Rainmaking and control in Igbo African medicine: A case study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State,” he said.
"I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian before he passed away. Though he was a Christian, he still believed in traditional materials. He was an agriculturist with trees around the compound and always brought in new ones, some of which he said were medicinal.
"So, I learned from him to appreciate nature. My background is also significant. I was once a Catholic priest—Rev. Father. I began this research as a priest five years ago and then left the priesthood, so now I am married.
"Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and God. The research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. As a priest, I had the opportunity to work in health sectors, and I understand what health is all about.”
"I conducted this research with the intention of recovering our lost African values. There was one of my father’s friends, and when I was in the seminary, I founded a school called the Society for African Culture
"During that period, we invited my father’s friend to demonstrate that rainmaking was possible. He came and made it rain. This experience led me to investigate it in an academic way.
“My research in rainmaking and control is rooted in finding the truth and understanding how native doctors contribute to preserving African values. I discovered that it is indeed a reality and done by dibia (native doctors). I am not turning my back on God, but rather, I am embracing the divine in a more meaningful and authentic way.”
Obiagbaosogu also shared his thoughts on the relationship between magic, religion, and science, adding that, “Civilisation began with magic, moved to religion, and today we are talking about nanoscience and other fields.
"The white man was able to explore these magical laws, codify them, and call them science. So, science is essentially what was once magic.
"We can also access these magical laws, which we call African magic or religion. It is not the African magic of Nollywood. The African magic of Nollywood is one of the tools used to destroy our culture and values.
"African magic is actually African science, which remains unexplored. We must begin to modify, codify, and document it for posterity.”
When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu said, “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to look left and right.
"One important thing is for the person to know themselves. If you understand yourself and remain open to reality, you will begin to make decisions for your life.”
He declined to discuss the specifics of his resignation, saying it was a matter of personal conviction.
Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu, former Chief of Staff to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has implicated his former principal in a confessional statement related to an ongoing money laundering case against him.
It will be recalled that the Chief Magistrate Court in Rigasa remanded Sa’idu at the Kaduna Correctional Centre following his arrest and arraignment by security agencies on 31 December 2024.
The charges against the former Chief of Staff allege that he sold $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government—equivalent to ₦18,450,000,000—at the significantly undervalued rate of ₦410 per dollar.
This was instead of the parallel market rate of ₦498 per dollar, with criminal intent, resulting in a ₦3,960,000,000 loss to the government.
According to the prosecution, the offence allegedly took place in 2022, when Sa’idu served as Commissioner of Finance in the El-Rufai administration.
The prosecution further alleged that the ₦3,960,000,000 discrepancy was laundered by Sa’idu, in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
A security source, speaking anonymously to select journalists in Kaduna, disclosed that Sa’idu implicated El-Rufai in his confessional statement to the police.
The accused reportedly stated, “The procedure for currency conversion was not the decision of the Commissioner of Finance but that of His Excellency, the then Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Whenever the need arose to convert funds to naira, the Governor would direct how much to convert. Bids from various buyers were obtained, and in most cases, the bids I forwarded to His Excellency for approval were higher than those available in the parallel market.”
Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, stipulates that anyone who violates subsection (2) is liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not less than four years and not more than 14 years, a fine of no less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime, or both.
...urge criminals to cease their evil acts.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s escalating crime rate, particularly kidnappings.
Reacting to recent killings and abductions, including the kidnapping of two Catholic reverend sisters, Obi described the situation as “worrisome” on his X page.
Recall that on Tuesday, gunmen kidnapped two Catholic nuns returning from a vocational meeting in Ogboji community, Orumba north LGA, Anambra state.
Obi, the former Anambra governor, condemned the killing of the College of Nursing Sciences manager in Ihiala, stating, “no one is currently spared from the dangerous wind of many kidnappings and killings blowing through many parts of the nation”.
He noted that insecurity affects every Nigerian, impacting agriculture, health, and education, where workers are often kidnapped or killed.
Obi cited examples of kidnapped farmers, teachers, and lecturers, including the recent killing of the College of Nursing Sciences manager and the abduction of two reverend sisters.
He emphasized that these individuals contribute significantly to national development, and their kidnappings and killings are unjustifiable.
Obi urged leaders to address the situation, wondering how many cases go unreported.
He asked the federal government to deploy security measures to rescue captives and end terror, while urging criminals to stop their evil acts.
The South East region of the country witnessed a surge in violence perpetrated by separatist groups enforcing sit-at-home orders, which essentially attacked Nigeria’s sovereignty with effrontery and arrant disregard for constituted authority.
The alarming situation escalated on November 18, 2024, when unknown gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on Abatete and Ukpo communities in Anambra state, leaving a trail of destruction and death, including three vigilante members and an innocent citizen. These senseless attacks were recurring nightmares which instilled fear and uncertainty among the populace.
In the year under review, another devastating attack in Aba, Abia state resulted in the loss of 11 lives, including five military personnel and six civilians, with the Army blaming the outlawed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, for the incident.
Many civilians among whom were youths were alleged to have been killed, harassed and assaulted by security personnel in a bid to end the reign of the separatist group in the region.
In fact, a report by SMB Morgen, an Africa-focused market/security intelligence gathering firm, revealed that a staggering N419.2 million ransom was paid between July 2023 and June 2024 in the South-East .
This alarming figure accounted for 40% of the total N1.048 billion paid across the six geo-political zones during the same period, with Anambra State being the hardest hit, as families shelled out N350.2 million in ransom payments, a whopping 88% of the N400 million demanded by kidnappers.
A breakdown of the ransom payments across the South-East states as revealed by the report, showed that Imo State paid N39 million as ransom, Abia State paid N25 million, while Enugu State and Ebonyi State paid significantly lower amounts, with N4 million and N1 million, respectively, as ransom in one year.
But in the regional breakdown of the N2.2 trillion ransom payments made in the same period.
According to another data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, the South-East paid N85.4 billion, an amount lower when compared to N1.2 trillion paid in the North West, which accounted for the highest share.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has summoned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, over issues of the Expatriates Employment Levy, EEL.
According to the court summons, both are to appear before the court on January 16 to explain why implementing the proposed expatriate taxation regime should not be stopped.
The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, gave this ruling on Thursday after a motion ex parte moved by Patrick Peter, counsel who appeared for the plaintiff.
Ekwo directed that the minister and the AGF be served with the motion within three days of the order.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CD/1780/2024, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of New Kosol Welfare Initiative.
The group sought an order of interim injunction barring the defendants from commencing the implementation of the new expatriates’ taxation regime in Nigeria until the motion is heard and decided.
In the affidavit attached to the suit, the Programme Implementation Coordinator of the group, Raphael Ezeh, said the EEL taxation policy was announced by the federal government on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
“According to KPMG and other online information analysts and dissemination agencies, the federal government intends to compel all companies and organizations who engage the services of expatriates to pay EEL as follows: For every expatriate on the level of a director, fifteen thousand United States dollars ($15,000) equivalent to twenty-three million naira, by the current exchange rates, per annum.
“For every expatriate on a non-director level, ten thousand United States dollars ($10,000) equivalent to sixteen million naira, by the current exchange rates (N16,000,000) per annum,” he said.
According to Ezeh, the federal government has also proposed additional regulations, including penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with the proposed taxation regime.
Ezeh stated that inaccurate or incomplete reporting would result in five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of N1 million.
He noted that the failure of a corporate entity to file the EEL within 30 days will attract a penalty of N3 million.
The Programme Implementation Coordinator added that failure to register an employee within 30 days or the submission of false information will also attract a penalty of N3 million.
The failure of an organization to renew the EEL before its expiry date will incur a sanction of N3 million.
“The proposed taxation regime is totally an anti-people policy because of its radical effect on different aspects of the Nigerian economy, and it works like a choke-hold against the economic growth of the nation,” he said.
He noted that taxation is a sensitive issue that requires collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He pointed out that, under Section 59 of the Constitution, the executive arm alone lacks the authority to impose taxes on corporate bodies and citizens.
The matter was adjourned to January 16 for the defendants to appear before the court and show cause.
The Federal Ministry of Interior suspended the implementation of the EEL in 2024 to allow for further consultations with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, NACCIMA, and other stakeholders.
[DailyPost]
Former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro has withdrawn from the race to occupy the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Okiro made the announcement at a briefing in Enugu on Thursday night.
He cited the order of an Enugu State High Court barring him from contesting in the election for his withdrawal.
The election is scheduled to January 10, 2015.
According to him: “I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.
“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or heard from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media. The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”. (d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student in the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now Bistinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat. Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.
“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State Extraction which said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order.
“My Obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavorable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.
“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.
“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N.R Oji of Enugu State High Court which court gave the restraining order.
“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble.
“I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.
“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the later in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system.
“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo speaking people of Rivers state who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest.
“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge.
“My Governor, His Excellency, Siminialayi Fubara GSSRS unwavering support is most highly appreciated and same cannot be taken for granted. Your Excellency’s leadership indeed inspires me.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo embodies Igbo unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence. Our organization promotes harmony among Igbos worldwide. Let’s prioritize peace and unity.
“I reaffirm my commitment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ideals; unity, progress and peace in Igbo land.
“Justice shall prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles.
“I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable.”
[TheNation]
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The Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives, Bismarck Rewane, has expressed support for the proposed telecom tariff hike, citing its potential to enhance productivity and moderate inflation in the economy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Business Morning on Thursday, Rewane highlighted the economic benefits of the tariff adjustment, which has been proposed by telecom operators and is currently under review by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“Yes, it helps to reduce inflation because it increases productivity,” Rewane said, explaining the broader implications of the proposed adjustment.
Telecom operators have submitted a proposal to the NCC seeking a 100 per cent increase in tariffs to address rising operational costs, including inflation and higher service delivery expenses.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, had earlier confirmed the government’s intent to adjust tariffs, with the NCC set to finalize the modalities.
Rewane noted that the proposed tariff hike reflects investor confidence in the sector. “Yesterday, the price of MTN shares went up by 10 per cent to N220. Investors have already factored that in and are expecting a lot of good goodies,” he said.
He emphasized that the increase, combined with additional investments, would contribute to making the telecom industry sustainable, indirectly boosting productivity and output.
“Any increase in productivity and output is likely to allow inflation to moderate, which is the goal,” Rewane added.
He acknowledged the alignment between policymakers, regulators, and operators on the need for sustainability in the telecom sector.
“We heard from the policymaker, Bosun Tijani, who was very clear that we want a sustainable sector. But we also heard from the regulator saying that we will hold these guys to quality of service.”
Rewane, however, dismissed the likelihood of a 100 per cent hike, predicting a more moderate adjustment of between 40 per cent and 50 per cent per cent.
“Will they get 100%? No, they will definitely not. We suspect that we are likely to see something between 40 per cent and 50 per cent, which is fair after so many years of static changes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has scheduled a meeting with telecom consumer groups to debate the proposed tariff hike.
The discussions aim to ensure consumer concerns are addressed while balancing the operators’ needs for sustainability.
A final decision on the tariff adjustment will be communicated after the consultations are concluded.
The NCC’s decision on the proposed tariff hike is expected to balance industry sustainability with the need to protect consumers from excessive cost burdens.
[Punch]
The interception of 59 minors from Kano en route to Nasarawa State has taken a new dimension as the senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Sumaila Kawu, has stopped the trafficking probe.
Kawu asked the police to hand over the 59 minors intercepted in a J5 vehicle in Abuja on its way to Nasarawa State, promising to reunite them with their parents.
The lawmaker showed up at the FCT police command yesterday to say that the movement was an almajiri form whereby students migrate to other parts of the country to study.
Earlier on Tuesday, the FCT commissioner of police, CP Olatunji Disu,had paraded the vehicle driver, Idris Usman, and the children, promising to ensure they were returned to their base in Kano to reunite with their families.
Disu had said, “This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.
“The suspects’ vehicle and all the children are with us while a thorough investigation is underway.”
After the briefing, Senator Kawu, who kicked against the mode of transportation of the children, told the police to hand over the children to him.
Kawu observed that there was nothing wrong with transporting the children to Nasarawa for training, a position that introduced a surprising dimension to the case at the police command.
When asked about the condition of the children’s transportation, Kawu said, “We will resolve it. We have secured another bus that will carry them back home. I am advising our people to stick to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and the Qur’an in searching for knowledge. We have a procedure, a process provided by Islam. We must stick to that process. We must avoid traditional ways of doing things.”
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route with 59 children suspected to have been trafficked from Kano. They were packed into 15-seater bus.
On Wednesday, the police operatives, led by deputy superintendent of police Sarki Umar, intercepted them on January 6, 2025, at about 3:30 p.m., along the Abuja-Kano route, heading to Nasarawa State.
The police said the kids, aged between four and 12, came from different families and were being transported by one Idris Usman to a male resident of Nasarawa State.
The commissioner of police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, said some arrests had been made, and the police would ensure that the children were returned and reunited with their families.
He also said the driver, Usman, who claims to be a teacher with over 40 years of experience, travelled to Kano State to convey the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.
The vehicle driver operates with his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.
The FCT police commissioner said, “This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.
“The suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway. The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.
“I want to reiterate our commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Rights Act 2003. We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children,” the commissioner had said.
Yesterday’s intervention by the senator seems to have changed the mind of the police towards further investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
The Nigeria Polics Force (NPF) has arrested a woman, Ihsanatu Shaaibu, and one other unnamed suspect, over alleged child abuse by inflicting grievous injuries on a five-year-old stepdaughter, Fa’iza Bala.
The development followed a viral video of the incident on social media. Consequently, Police operatives effected the arrests on Thursday.
This was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in a post on his verified social media handles and that of the NPF on Thursday night.
The Police image-maker wrote: “In relation to the viral video where a woman identified as Ihsanatu Shaaibu physically abused and caused grievous injuries to her stepdaughter Fa’iza Bala, a 5 year old.
“The Suspects have been arrested today, Thursday 9th Jan 2025, and will be prosecuted as soon as investigations are concluded. We will keep you abreast of the proceedings.”
President Bola Tinubu has decorated Nurudeen Yusuf, his aide-de-camp (ADC), with his new rank of colonel.
The president decorated Yusuf on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.
Yusuf was appointed Tinubu’s ADC in April 2023 before his inauguration on May 29.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said the president described his ADC as a “reliable officer, deserving of elevation in rank”.
The presidential spokesperson quoted Tinubu as saying that he envisions the ADC achieving greatness in his military career.
Onanuga said Yusuf, formerly a lieutenant colonel, was promoted to the rank of colonel by Nigerian Army promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on December 19, 2024, noting that the rank’s seniority became effective on September 22, 2023.
“You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC,” the statement reads.
“He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will go farther and farther in his profession.
“We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, you are highly respected. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you. We thank God for you.
“May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe.”
The presidential spokesperson added that Tinubu commended the ADC’s wife for “keeping the home front steady, calm, and reliable” during his service.
Yusuf expressed gratitude to the president for trusting him as his ADC and reaffirmed his loyalty.
“I stand here today filled with immense gratitude and humility as I reflect on this remarkable occasion of my decoration with the rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
“This moment is a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values of the unwavering support of those around me.
“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for His grace, guidance, and blessings upon my career and life. Without Him, this day would not have been possible.
“To His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honoured by the privilege to be granted promotion to this enviable rank.
“I wish to use this unique opportunity to restate that your leadership and trust have been a source of inspiration, and serving as your Aide-de-Camp has been a profound privilege and the highest honour of my career.
“Thank you for your confidence in me and for being here to share in this special moment.”
In attendance were AbdulRazaq AbdulRahmon, governor of Kwara; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Kayode Egbetokun, inspector general of police (IGP); Christopher Musa, chief of defense staff (CDS); and Bello Matawalle, minister for state defense.
Others include Kudirat Yusuf, the ADC’s mother; Ganiyat Yusuf, his wife; and Abiodun Yusuf, his daughter.
[TheCable]