The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has disbursed refunds amounting to N4.4 billion to 36 States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces.

NAHCON spokesman Muhammad Musa said this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Musa explained that the refund was due to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not being rendered properly by the Saudi authorities during the 2023 Hajj.

“In addition, the commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj. This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.

“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations,” the statement explained.

Mr Musa added that all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj were advised to contact their respective state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, boards and commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.

“Each pilgrim is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement. The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims’ boards.

“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process,” said the NAHCON statement.

Nigeria Men’s Cricket Team yesterday emerged the winner of the International Cricket Council T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier C concluded at the cricket oval of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Nigeria’s Yellow Green beat Botswana by 77 runs to seal their unbeaten run in the five match World Cup Qualifier.

The Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, at the event said the victory was a perfect ending to a brilliant showing of all the team at Nigeria Cricket Federation led by Uyi Akpata.

He said: “I am very impressed at the level of professionalism displayed and this is what we encourage as a Commission. Nigeria didn’t just qualify and win the event, the team that staged this event has shown leadership and professionalism and we are proud of them.”

Olopade said the cricket has consistently shown potential for social development.

“We must commend the leadership of Nigeria Cricket Federation. Our Under girls would be at the Cricket World Cup in Malaysia in January, and now our boys are through to the last stage of the 2025 T20 Men’s World Cup. They deserve all the support we can give them. And as a commission, we are determined to give support to other sports other than the popular ones,” he added.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, said that hosting these African countries in Abuja during the series has thrown up Nigeria as cricket destination beside investment in talent development.

“We are excited to have hosted these countries; Botswana, Cote D’Ivoire, Eswatini, St. Helena and Sierra Leone. I believe the quality of our grounds and our organization clearly have communicated our readiness to host more top class cricket events,” Akpata said.

In the match, Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat first, and set 13.00 in the first over to signal a high scorning inning.

Tharindu Perera, stepped up got the wicket of opener Selim Salau 1(4) with the last ball of the second over douse the two quick overs.

Isaac Danladi came on and paired Sulaimon Runsewe to a partnership of 140. Danladi’s brilliant knock of 80 off 45 along with Runsewe’s 74 off 53 kept Nigeria in contention and sent pressure to the Baggy Blues of Botswana.

The Yellow-Green did not to sweat much as the 181/5 score simply put the game beyond the visitors, they were all out for 104 in 18.2 overs. Nigeria won by 77 runs.

In earlier matches St. Helena beat Cote D’Ivoire by 10 wickets to seal the 5th spot on the log while Sierra Leone ran through Eswatini in 12.3 overs winning with 109 runs.

Nigeria and Botswana are now to meet successful teams from the earlier qualifiers (Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya) and Africa’s representatives at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup who are drawn bye (Namibia and Uganda) and will jostle for Africa two spots at the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2025.

Australia yesterday announced a ban on children aged 16 and below from social media use.

The country’s parliament passed world’s first law banning under-16s despite safety concerns.

The bill was passed amid warning that the process had been rushed and that a ban could push teenagers towards the dark web or into isolation

Australia’s parliament passed a law that will aim to do what no other government has and many parents have tried to stop children from using social media.

The new law was drafted in response to what the Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described as a “clear, causal link between the rise of social media and the harm [to] the mental health of young Australians”.

Yesterday, the parliament’s upper house – Senate, passed a Bill by 34 votes to 19 banning children under 16 from social media platforms.

But academics, politicians and advocacy groups warned that the ban – as envisioned by the government – could backfire, driving teenagers to the dark web, or making them feel more isolated.

There have been questions about how the ban will be effective.

Many worry that the process has been too rushed, and that, if users are asked to prove their age, it could lead to social media companies being handed valuable personal data. Even Elon Musk has weighed in.

The online safety amendment (social media minimum age) bill bans social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to access their services, threatening companies with fines of up to AU$50m (US$32m) if they fail to comply.

However, it contains no details about how it will work, only that the companies will be expected to take reasonable steps to ensure users are aged 16 or over. The detail will come later, through the completion of a trial of age-assurance technology in mid-2025.

The bill will not come into force for another 12 months.

It was also silent on which companies the legislation would apply, though Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, said that Snapchat, TikTok, X, Instagram, Reddit and Facebook are likely to be part of the ban.

YouTube will not be included because of its “significant” educational purpose, she said.

The bill was introduced to parliament last week, with just three sitting days left on the parliamentary calendar. It received 15,000 submissions in a day.

Among these was one from Amnesty International recommending that the bill not be passed because a “ban that isolates young people will not meet the government’s objective of improving young people’s lives”.

The number of responses increased dramatically, the Australian broadcaster ABC reported, after X owner Musk reposted a tweet by Albanese announcing that the bill would be introduced that day, writing, “Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.”

Most of the submissions were a form response, the ABC reported, with fewer than 100 submissions made by interest groups.

A population census may hold next year, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, hinted yesterday.

The NPC boss said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration may approve the conduct the population census, 19 years after the last exercise.

Kwarra gave the hint at this year’s anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) yesterday in Abuja.

The last census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006, leaving an 18-year hiatus without updated demographic data, despite the United Nations (UN) recommendation for countries to conduct a census every decade.

Initially planned for 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the exercise was postponed to allow the incoming government to oversee the process effectively.

Kwarra highlighted the challenges posed by the prolonged delay, saying the lack of accurate population data has hindered effective resource allocation, particularly in underserved rural areas.

He said: “A major setback we face is the delay in conducting the population and housing census. A reliable and accurate census is crucial for informed decision-making, providing the necessary demographic and socioeconomic data for effective policy design, planning, and implementation.

“The delay, compounded by logistical and financial constraints, has hindered efforts to assess the full scope of population needs and allocate resources effectively, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“However, I must emphasise that the government is committed to conducting the census, and we believe it will take place next year.

Nigerians have been assured of efficient visa services by the United Kingdom (UK).

The UK reaffirmation of its dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services to Nigerians came from the Director of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Marc Owen.

Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission, Onyinye Madu, broke the news through a statement in Abuja.

According to the statement, Owen made the commitment during the visit to Nigeria, one of the UK’s largest visa markets.

Owen met with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos to discuss UK visa developments, including the global eVisa rollout and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

He emphasised the benefits of digitising records, such as birth and death certificates, and enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.

Owen also toured the English Language test centre at the British Council Office and engaged with student councillors and UK university agents.

In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders, and visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja.

Owen cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas to prevent visa fraud and fake travel agents.

The House of Representatives yesterday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Oluyede was appointed acting COAS, following the illness and subsequent death of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

The President’s letter was read on the floor of the House on November 26 by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and an ad hoc committee, headed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), was constituted the following day to screen Oluyede

The President’s letter reads: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 218, subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18, subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Lt.-Gen. Oluyede has been serving diligently in an active capacity since his appointment. He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the security and continued stability of our nation and the progress of our Armed Forces.

“His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large make him well suited for this important role.

“While I am confident that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Oluyede was screened by the House’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday afternoon and the report of the screening was submitted yesterday to the House for consideration at plenary.

Presenting the report for consideration, Benson said the committee believed Oluyede has the quality to lead the Nigerian Army.

He said: “On November 26, 2024, the Parliament graciously appointed us to screen the acting Chief of Army Staff. We did that yesterday: we reviewed his CV, we questioned him on various issues, which included inter-agency synergy, civilian military relationship.

“Our observation is that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede is fit and proper and gave a very good account of himself. In conclusion, we request that the House do approve his appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.”

In a commendation, Benson said: “The ad hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, conduct, character, experience and general performance.

“The ad hoc committee also observed that he displayed wide knowledge of tactics and military operations as exhibited during his acting capacity. Consequently, the ad hoc hereby recommends that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process of the committee.”

The recommendation was unanimously adopted by the House.

Also, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured the National Assembly that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would bring new vigor and his vast experience to bear in the fight against insecurity if confirmed as substantive Chief of Army Staff.

General Musa, who witnessed the screening process at the both chambers, yesterday, said he was impressed with the manner in which the Senate and House Committees for Army screened the Acting COAS.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS also assured that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would build on the legacy of the late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.

The statement said: “The CDS described the prompt action of the National Assembly as patriotic and apt at this critical time.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the constituted authority in pursuit of its constitutional roles.”

Polytechnic lecturers, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), have threatened to embark on a two-week warning strike as from December 2nd, 2024 over unmet demands.

The union said it took the decision during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting yesterday in Abuja.

The lecturers criticised the Federal Government for reneging in implementing a number of demands tabled before them.

It said only one of the “numerous demands presented to the government” had been met.

ASUP President Kpanja Shammah, who addressed reporters at the end of the meeting, said the 11 demands for which the government had been recalcitrant to meet, dated back to successive governments, especially that of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to immediately review and reverse all decisions it sad were inconsistent with the provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

The union had alleged impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

ASUP accused the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of intruding into the regular functions of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics, particularly on the admission of Higher National Diploma (HND) students within the polytechnic system.

Shammah said: “Our union’s National Executive Council (NEC) held its session to review the current status of our engagements with proprietors of public polytechnics, colleges of technology and monotechnics in the country.

“Intrusion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into the regular functions of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics in the admission of Higher National Diploma (HND) students in the Nigerian Polytechnic System.

“Non-capturing of the peculiar academic allowance of members for sustained payment in the planned post IPPIS era. Refusal of most state-owned polytechnics to implement the 35 per cent/25 per cent salary review for members and non-release of the arrears of same in Federal Polytechnics, among others.

“Following these developments and a thorough review by our union’s 112th NEC meeting, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from December 2, 2024 on a two-week definite strike action in the first instance.

“This shall serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite action going forward.

“We, therefore, seek the understanding and support of members of the public as we are forced to yet again battle for the soul of Nigeria’s Polytechnic System in this form. We equally hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment in the system so as to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged the Senate to consider and confirm four nominees as members of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The nominees are: Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Buba Ringim (retd.), Justice Adamu Paul Galumje JSC (retd.), Christine Ladi Dabup and Abdulfatah Muhammed, as members.

The request letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at plenary.

The letter reads: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointments of the under-listed four nominees as members of the Police Service Commission.

“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”

Also yesterday, President Tinubu asked the Senate to confirm three nominees for appointment as members of the Governing Board of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The nominees are: Fatai Ibikunle, Kennedy Ikpeme, and Justice Ibrahim Buba.

Akpabio read President Tinubu’s letter of request during plenary.

The letter reads: “In accordance with the provision of Sections 154(1) and paragraph 1(a) and (b) of part 1 to the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to present, for confirmation by the Senate, the appointments of under-listed three nominees as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my best regards.”

The Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board has reiterated its commitment to equipping young people with essential skills to address the growing issue of youth unemployment in the state.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation Construction Trades Training Programme, held in Ikeja on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, Ms Moronke Azeez, commended the graduates for their dedication.

She highlighted the state government’s focus on youth empowerment as a cornerstone of its economic development agenda.

“The Lagos State Government, through LASTVEB, is dedicated to providing technical skills that not only create employment opportunities but also enable self-employment,” Azeez said.

She said the ceremony marked the culmination of a partnership between LASTVEB’s Skills for Work Programme and the KAAF Foundation, a collaboration that has provided training in trades such as plumbing, electrical repairs, carpentry, and masonry.

Azeez expressed gratitude to the foundation’s founder, Sir Kensington Adebutu, for his support, which includes providing a fully-equipped training centre in Surulere.

“Through the generosity of the KAAF Foundation, tools have been donated to the graduating students to help them kick-start their careers,” Azeez noted, adding that the foundation’s involvement had paved the way for many success stories.

To the graduating students, Azeez congratulated them and urged them to apply the lessons learnt during their training to their professional and personal endeavours.

Delivering the keynote address, the Administrative Manager of Premier Lotto, Peace Ajogo, while speaking on the theme “Relevance of Technical Education,” underscored the pivotal role of technical and vocational education in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“We have constantly received feedback that our past graduates are excelling, whether as self-employed individuals or in gainful employment with various organisations.

“Due to skill gaps, expatriate hire continues to plague the Nigerian labour market because we are still tied to the technological apron strings of industrial nations,” she said.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers for killing a photographer, Zaccheaus Salawudeen and dispossessing him of money and other valuables.

The report had noted that the murdered photographer was asleep with his young wife, Rachel Zaccheaus and their newly born baby in his apartment when the armed robbers, five in number, broke in, collected some money he was given by his church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, for safe keeping, and also collected other valuables including his phone and laptop before stabbing him to death.

Investigations had disclosed that Governor Mohammed Bago Special Adviser Political Nma Kolo, who spoke to this reporter had reassured that the state would ensure that the killers did not go unpunished. He also said that the state would ensure that the wife of the late photographer was not left helpless.

Kolo said, “Zacchaeus was introduced to me by one of my aides here too as a photographer. So, I engaged him as an official photographer. Later, I got an appointment for him as a Special on Political Mobilisation.

“When he reported to this office, he was attached to the ICT and Communication Unit. He covered all my engagements. He was somebody very close to me; we worked together, a very hard-working young man, and he was dedicated to his duties. But to God be the glory, we lost Zacchaeus.

“I don’t like remembering that sad incident. Honestly, I get emotional easily because we had a very, very robust relationship. (He was) always with me, most of the time in my house even after working hours and was always ready to receive calls from us for any assignment”.

Kolo, however, assured that the government would do everything in its power to ensure that Zacchaeus’ family was not neglected and the culprits of the incident were brought to face justice.

“He is somebody that we really miss but by the special grace of God, the perpetrators of the act surely will be smoked out.

“He had a political appointment, we want to see how the wife will use that appointment for the upkeep of the children. I think that is very generous of the government.

“I think it will be in our best interest to wait for the conclusion of the investigation first then if there is anything, we can seek legal advice from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on the way forward. But for now, let us keep our fingers crossed and wait for the final report on the police investigation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun issued a statement on Tuesday disclosing that four of the suspected armed robbers who attacked Salawudeen had been arrested for murder while one was on the run.

“In furtherance of the commitment of the Police Command in the State to ensure that suspects of crime are apprehended and prosecuted accordingly. It could be recalled that on February 27th, 2024, an unfortunate incident of culpable homicide was reported at Bosso Div in which one Zaccheaus Salawudeen 33yrs of Tudun-Fulani, Minna was attacked in his residence, robbed and stabbed to death.

“Since then, the Police Command has been on the trail of the assailants and after a meticulous investigation; four suspects were apprehended on October 26th by the Crack Squad Unit of the Command at River Basin area of Minna and they are; Mustapha Ibrahim, Sniper-19yrs, Shamson Rabiu-21yrs Bashar Aliyu, Gizo-20yrs and Abdullahi Umar-19yrs.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime as they narrated that on the same date, they were discussing within the area at Rafin-Yashin and they heard that the late Zaccheaus received a contribution of a huge amount of money, hence they mobilised to his residence at midnight, attacked and robbed him of #95,000 but they felt disappointed and believed that the deceased lied to them about the amount, and one of them known as Danladi, presently at large stabbed the deceased with a knife in the stomach.

“Investigation revealed further that on August 9th, 2024, the same syndicate attacked another victim’s residence at Rafin-Yashin who initially refused to open the door for them, but they shouted that, does he want to be killed like the photographer, in the process, a neighbour identified them and he was inflicted with a serious injury of matchet cut by the robbers on the jaw, but he survived.

“However, two knives, five wraps of suspected cannabis, alcohol, matches and abandoned slippers were recovered during the arrest. Investigation is in progress, as effort is being intensified to arrest the said Danladi. Suspects have also been arraigned in court for prosecution,” Abiodun stated.

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have sealed nine establishments in a bid to tackle noise pollution and other environmental infractions across the State.

The closed establishments includes, Daily Bakery, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA, FS Service Centre, and Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.

These facilities were sealed for failing to comply with LASEPA’s environmental standards despite prior warnings.

This was disclosed by Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency in a statement via their X handle on Thursday, November 28.

The statement reads: “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state. The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

“The sealed establishments include: Daily Bakery, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA, FS Service Centre, and Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.

“These establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency.

“Speaking on the enforcement, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for activities that jeopardize public health and community harmony.

” ‘Environmental protection is a shared responsibility’, Dr. Ajayi stated. ‘As a government agency, we are dedicated to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other infractions significantly impact public health and quality of life. We urge businesses and individuals to prioritize compliance and adopt sustainable practices’.

“Dr. Ajayi also encouraged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving the environment.

“This operation reflects LASEPA’s steadfast determination to uphold environmental laws and safeguard the well-being of Lagosians. The agency assures the public of its continued efforts to create a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable Lagos.”

The police have apprehended two suspects for the alleged murder of an inspector, Ibrahim Maizabuwa, attached to the command in Gombe.

This was announced in a statement by the spokesman for the Adamawa command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, on Thursday.

Mr Nguroje said the suspects were among five other suspects, who allegedly committed the crime at Wamsa Suwa Village in Lamurde LGA.

“The suspects, Ezekiel Kefas, 67 years and Stephen Zabadi, 44 years, all residents of Wamsa Suwa village, on November 11, 2024, conspired, isolated, killed and buried the victim.

“The victim who visited them in their village to demand the return of his three cows, which he gave the first suspect to use and boost his farming activities.

“Until November 19, 2024, when the command received a complaint from Danlami Maizabuwa, the victim’s Son. The Suspects took detectives of the Anti Homicide Unit of the police command to a shallow grave of the deceased where the corpse was exhumed for autopsy,” he said.

The Nigeria Customs Service has buried second-hand bales of clothes seized in Katsina.

The exercise took place in Katsina on Wednesday at the special refuse dump provided by the state’s emergency management agency at Barawa, in the Batagarawa LGA.

The event was in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the state emergency management agency.

The NCS controller in Katsina, Abba Aji, said the disposal of the seized second-hand clothes worth millions of naira was necessary because they had begun to decay.

“Before taking the decision to bury these seized bales of clothes, we consulted with various stakeholders, especially the officials of NESREA and that of the state emergency management agency,” said Mr Aji.

NESREA coordinator in Katsina Jibrin Inuwa-Kwankwaso said the agency advised the NCS to bury the decayed clothes instead of burning them to prevent air pollution.

He explained that the decision was due to the modern methods provided for evacuating refuse and preventing the contamination of the environment.

“Burning such items is dangerous to the environment. This had to be done to ensure a healthy environment,” the coordinator said.

Also, a director from the state environmental agency, Imrana Idris-Nadabo, said the state government under Governor Dikko Radda provided the refuse dump.

He said that the decision to dispose of the pre-owned clothes at the location was due to the mutual understanding and collaboration between the agency and the NCS.

According to him, the state government will not relent in its efforts to collaborate with other partners towards keeping the environment clean and healthy.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Bala Dakum, on Thursday, narrated how his 85-year-old father, Deh Idi Dakum, was kidnapped and killed shortly after ransom was paid.

“My dad, Deh Idi Dakum, was the Galadima Nyam in Tangur, the district of Bokkos local government area in Plateau state. He was about 85 years old.

“On November 18, he was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. in our village, Matelem. His phone and that of my mother were taken away. Unknown to us that the abductors had killed him just about a kilometre away from the house that same day, my brother, Moses, kept calling his phone,” the lawyer said.

His brother later established contact with their father’s abductors on November 19. A ransom was paid the following day.

Mr Dakum explained that before paying the ransom, his sibling, whom the family mandated to speak with the abductors, requested to speak with their father. The kidnappers said they left their father with other gang members.

“When my brother paid the ransom, they assured him they’d communicate to their gang, whom they claimed my dad was in their custody, to drop him close to the village. My brother left with the hope that my dad would return before day break but to no avail.

“On the 21st of November, he called the abductors, and they assured him that they’ll release him. My dad did not return on 21st November 2024. On 22nd November 2024, my brother called again but could not reach the abductors.

“On 23rd November 2024, my brother called the abductors again, but this time, one of the abductors who spoke to him was hostile and asked my brother if he was taking him cheap,” Mr Dakum narrated.

He added, “He (one of the kidnappers) said the ransom paid was inadequate and demanded more money, but we didn’t pay any ransom again because, at this time, we began to suspect that they were not being honest. However, few hours later, at about 9:00 a.m., my dad’s dead body was found on a farm just about a kilometre away from the house where he was abducted.

“From the state of his body, he had been there for days. His remains were buried immediately on 23rd November 2024 in Matelem village, in the presence of the district head, Deh Sati Nder, the Bokkos LGA chairman, Hon Amalau, and members of the STF who are also stationed about a kilometre away from the house.”

The police have nabbed Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka for alleged connivance with his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, in a N320 million fraud scheme.

The police alleged that the couple defrauded Tochukwu Unachukwu, the managing director of Casco Electronics Company Limited, of N320 million.

In a statement on Wednesday, Force CID spokeswoman Aminat Mayegun said the police received a criminal complaint indicting the couple.

“Between March and May 2024, Mr Unachukwu made payments totalling N320,000,000.00 to Ngwaka and his wife through their company accounts, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World for the procurement of $200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China,” said the police.

The statement said police uncovered “fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, which purportedly shows the completion of the transactions in two $100,000 tranches.”

“The Chinese suppliers confirmed that no such funds were received,” added the police.

A black 2024 Toyota Hilux with a Presidency number plate (02B679FG) was also recovered from the “self-acclaimed licensed bureau de change operator,” who claimed to operate under Phobia BDC Ltd.

However, the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria disclosed that he was not linked to the company, whose licence had already been revoked earlier in the year.

“A fake identity card, purportedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, was discovered, fraudulently identifying Ngwaka as a consultant of the Ministry, while another letter of introduction addressed ‘to whom it may concern’, purportedly issued by the head of service of the federation, seeking allocation of presidency number plate to the suspect was also recovered from him,” said the police statement. “Relevant Authorities have confirmed the illegitimacy of the documents.”

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his two co-defendants in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih, who issued the order on Wednesday, said Bello and others should remain in EFCC custody until December 10 when she planned to rule on the ex-governor’s and the co-defendants’ bail applications.

Earlier, Bello was arraigned along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

Bello, Oricha and Hudu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the judge took arguments from lawyers to parties on the defendants’ bail applications.

The EFCC is, in the charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4billion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have departed Abuja for France on a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, H.E. Brigitte Macron.

The president will be welcomed at the historic 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides, and the Palais de l’Élysée by the Macrons for a series of ceremonial events, which will lead into bilateral discussions.

Tinubu’s departure was captured in a video shared on X by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, on Wednesday, November 27.

The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Wife the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu heads to France on a State Visit on the Invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and his Wife, H.E Brigitte Macron.

“PBAT and the first lady will be received at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

The House of Representatives has approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paving the way for the presentation of the 2025 budget.

The MTEF/FSP provides the key parameters for preparing the annual budget.

The report on the framework was presented for consideration by the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, who informed members that it was the result of a joint meeting between both the House and Senate Committees, alongside relevant government agencies.

The MTEF retained the government recommendation of N1400 exchange rate to the dollars, subject to review in the new year and an oil production of 2.06 million barrel of crude per day, with 75 dollar per barrel of crude price.

The House approved a projection of 15.75 percent Inflation rates and a GDP growth rate of 4.6 percent for 2025.

It also approved the Promissory Note Programme and Bond Issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of Federal Government owed to States, high priority judgments as well as liabilities incurred by Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies on behalf of Government.

In addition, the House approved the recommendation that a quarterly investigative hearing with revenue generating agencies to track their compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and punish those in clear contravention of the Act.

It also asked the Committee on Finance to conduct a review and initiate inquiry into the implementation of the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Act, specifically focusing on the inspection and monitoring of oil and gas exports by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and oversight mechanisms under the Act, identify gaps or challenges, and enhance revenue for the Government, through transparency, accountability and efficiency of export supervision in line with national economic objectives.

The party of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday called off a protest in the capital, Islamabad, after a crackdown by security forces.

This brought about the tragic loss of hundreds of supporters, and the rest were arrested and forced to flee.

Thousands of Mr Khan’s supporters led by his wife converged on Islamabad on Monday from his stronghold province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the north-west, vowing to force the government to release him.

The protesters turned violent and killed at least six members of the security forces as they headed to camp outside the country’s parliament.

Thousands of police and paramilitary troops in riot gear began an operation shortly before midnight to dislodge the protests.

According to the police, Khan’s supporters and protest leaders fled the capital after resisting the tear-gas shelling and rubber bullets for around two hours.

The party claimed six protesters were killed, but hospitals in the city said they received two bodies of civilians and several dozen people with bullet wounds.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government was forced to order the crackdown after Khan’s party challenged the state, adding that it had plans to storm the parliament.

Schools remained closed in Islamabad for a third day on Wednesday while traffic on the streets was light as roads were reopened after a security lockdown since Saturday.

Mr Khan, who governed Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, has been in jail for more than a year after he was convicted on several graft charges.

He faces trial on many counts.

Mr Khan’s party governed the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, from where his supporters periodically initiate protests for his release.

A businessman, Anayo Unigwe, 39, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, accused of fraudulently obtaining a Ford car and N1.4 million from his victim.

Mr Unigwe was charged before Magistrates’ L.K.J Layeni on a two-counts charge of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 23, 2023 at the Fancy and Furniture section of Alaba International Market in Ojo.

He alleged that the defendant obtained a blue Ford car and N1.4 million, totaling N9.1 million, from one Ikpo Nnamdi, on the pretext that he could facilitate repair of the car.

Mr Uche alleged that Mr Unigwe made the representation, knowing the same to be false, and stole the said car and money.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened the provisions of section 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mr Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until December 9 for mention.