Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested one Yakubu Saidu, a suspected bandit leader who masterminded the September 2023 attack on St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.
In the attack, the bandits set ablaze the priest’s house, burning a seminarian, Stephen Naaman, in the process.
The Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan said the suspect was arrested at Zangon Urban on Friday due to diligent pursuit of the case.
According to the PPRO, “In a commendable display of swift action and dedication to public safety, the Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner CP Ali Audu Dabigi, psc, has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail ‘M’ who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire.
“On 07 of September 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack.
“Despite the urgency of the situation, police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilized to the scene. Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) yesterday said it has secured the conviction of one Abubakar Sadiq Aremu for four years imprisonment for cheating and forgery of its annual return receipts.
In a statement , the commission pointed out that the convict was accused of uploading forged receipts to pay a company’s annual return on the CAC portal.
Aremu, was reportedly arraigned on March 21, 2023, before Upper Area Court Mpape Abuja, and pleaded guilty to the offense and was, therefore, sentenced by the presiding judge.
Reacting to the judgment, the Registrar-General/Chief Executive, CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, described the development as a milestone achievement for the commission.
He said the victory represented a major boost to his efforts to stem the activities of criminals trying to circumvent established processes and procedures in CAC.
The CAC boss, further emphasised that the commission was ready to go after anyone trying to flout its rules to strengthen the system for the benefit of the economy.
Separately, Magaji said the commission was prepared to work with stakeholders to ensure that issues related to the regulation of entities are seamlessly implemented.
During a familiarisation session with customers/stakeholders in Abuja, he said under his watch that the commission will continuously engage with software vendors to improve areas that require urgent attention to make the Companies Registration Portal (CRP) perform optimally.
He said, “This will resolve problems associated with delays in service delivery. The commission has also initiated reviewing our operational checklist to bring it up to speed with international best practices.
“This will go a long way in simplifying our processes and also reduce the time cycle for our services and product delivery.
“We are also reorganising the call center to make it a response center that will attend to customer complaints and inquiries within 24 hours.”
Magaji said, “This will also address the anxiety of resolving issues promptly and addressing the overall expectations of customers and stakeholders.
“I will be engaging and collaborating with all of you continuously to get inputs and suggestions that will ensure a good experience in service delivery as we move forward on this journey.”
On Saturday, the World Institute for Peace issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding that security agents arrest and interrogate Sheik Ahmad Gumi to ascertain the extent of his involvement in the ongoing insecurity plaguing the country.
The group’s chairman, Lamina Kamiludeen, in a statement in Osogbo on Saturday, queried incessant outbursts of Gumi against the Nigerian Military and other security agents whenever they take action against bandits and terrorists.
At different times in the past, Sheik Gumi has made controversial remarks about military campaigns against insurgence and banditry in the north.
On Wednesday, while speaking on “When will there be an end to Nigeria’s recurring abductions?” organised by Daily Trust via X space, Gumi said, “To them (military) they are fighting a war. Honestly, the military has been very hard on them, the Air Force is killing their families.”
Kamiludeen, who asked the Federal Government if he was above the law, said inflammatory statements by the cleric not only undermined the efforts of the security forces but would also embolden perpetrators of the crime to continue creating security challenges across the country.
The release further read partly, “His continuous criticism and condemnation of the efforts of the security forces send signals that Gumi may be among the sponsors of the insecurity in Nigeria. Nigeria security agents must take immediate action to question Sheik Gumi regarding his involvement in the ongoing insecurity in the country.
“His actions constitute a threat to national security and must be addressed with urgency. Or is Gumi above the law? Action must the taken to prove that no one is above the law of the land.”
Smugglers Attacked Nigerian Customs Office In Kebbi, Damaged Vehicles, Carted Away Seized Foodstuffs
AFOLABIAuthorities have confirmed that the office of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in the Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State was attacked by hoodlums.
During the attack which occurred on Thursday night, one officer was injured and property including vehicles were damaged, according to a statement by the Command's spokesman Mohammed Salisu.
The statement partly read: “During the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 2310 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance were informed of a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside.
"Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation," he said.
The statement noted that afterwards, "a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by way of mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost.
“Upon sighting the mob, the management contacted the command and other sister agencies for reinforcement, which helped in containing the situation.
“Amid the attack, the OIC sustained a hand injury; 1 AK-47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly; and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.
“The mob went further to vandalise the OIC personal vehicle, the outstation Air Conditioner, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.”
The spokesman said that the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has intervened to douse tension, after he hosted the Customs Area Controller on the way forward.
Meanwhile, normalcy has since been restored.
“The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, and so far, some arrests have been made and an investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals,” he added.
Revealed: Widow Of Major Shaffa, Who Was Killed In Okuama Attack Is Pregnant, Has Two Small Children To Cater For
AFOLABIAccording to findings by Vanguard , it has been revealed that the late Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa had spent only three weeks in his new Area of Responsibility (AR) before his untimely death on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Shaffa was among officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, Bomadi Division, including the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ali, another Major, one Captain and 12 others, who were ambushed and killed during a rescue mission to Okuama to release a hostage.
The hostage was identified as Anthony Aboh from neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State who Okuama youths had held over a lingering land dispute.
Sources said Shaffa, who was a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) alumnus, hailed from Shaffa town in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno South represented by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Senate).
He is survived by two children, a wife said to be pregnant and heavy, and two small children.
Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard learnt that the father of the deceased (Danjuma Shaffa) also died as a retired Major of the Nigerian Army some years ago in Borno State.
A family friend, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, told our correspondent that the “late Shaffa, before paying the ultimate sacrifice, penultimate Thursday, had two children “while the wife is pregnant and is expecting delivery soon.”
Durkwa, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 general elections in Borno State, prayed “Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the soul of the deceased officer and all officers and soldiers killed during the ambush”.
He called on proper investigation of the incident, saying anyone found wanting must face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.
A brother of the slain Army officer, Mallam Hussain Danjuma, who formally announced the death in a social media post, said, “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Allah, I inform the sudden death of our beloved brother Major SD SHAFFA.
“We pray that Allah will forgive and grant him eternal rest in this Holy month of Ramadan.
“May your soul rest in peace, dearest brother as you will be remembered”.
Another family member, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, said, “May Allah have mercy on Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May Allah lighten his grave, Amen”.
Amos Bwala, a friend of Shaffa, on his part, wrote on his Facebook page: “Innalillahi wainnailaihir rajiun. May Almighty Allah forgive our good friend and brother, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, who was ambushed n Delta State rabbi fagfirlahu warahamhu.”
Buba Ali, another friend, in an emotionally laden voice said, “The loss of the Nigerian soldiers in Delta State is unfortunate and terrible. We lost a gallant brother from Borno, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May their souls rest in peace.”
In a related development, Ndume and Dr Midala Usman Balami, member representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, have called on the authorities to immediately fish out the masterminds of the killings just as they strongly condemned the incident.
According to a statement signed by Ndume’s spokesman, Junaid Maiva, the senator “has been deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, whom he described as a brave military officer”.
The Senate Whip went on: “Major Shaffa, whose recent deployment led him to Delta State, met his untimely end in a devastating ambush alongside fellow military officers and soldiers following a successful mission.
“The news of his passing has cast a pall of sorrow over Senator Ndume and the entire nation.
“Senator Ndume paid tribute to the late Major Shaffa, extolling him as a genuine patriot who epitomized the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.
“The senator urged Major Shaffa’s family, friends, and constituents in southern Borno to take comfort in the knowledge that their beloved relative lived a life dedicated to serving humanity and defending the nation’s sovereignty.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and the constituents of southern Borno, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of the late military officer”.
Balami, in a statement he personally signed said, “It is with immense sadness that I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Major Danjuma Shaffa and the gallant soldiers, who lost their lives while on peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This death is a great loss to the Nigeria Army and the entire nation.
“Major Danjuma Shaffa was a patriotic soldier who dedicated his life to the service of our country. He was a role model and inspiration to many, and his death has left a deep void in our hearts.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The sacrifices of our soldiers will not be in vain, and we will continue to support our brave men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s peace and security.
“Once again, I extend my sympathies on behalf of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency and pray for the repose of Major Danjuma Shaffa’s soul and all the deceased patriots.”
The deaths of six police officers in Delta State has been confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the officers were killed while investigating the disappearance of three colleagues in Delta.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Adejobi added that six other officers are still missing and five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
The statement partly read, “The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six courageous officers in Delta State who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity.
“These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six others are currently missing-in-action.
“Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in solidarity with them, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.”
The FPRO identified the deceased officers as Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.
He also identified the missing officers as Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie.
The statement further added that the NPF will posthumously recognise the officers for their service and sacrifice at an upcoming awards ceremony.
It also stated its commitment to supporting the families of the deceased officers.
The statement added, “Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognising their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
“In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.
“In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions as expected.
“The bodies of six of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits.
“The Force is focused on the search for the other six officers, while all their families have been duly contacted.
“Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.
“Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice.
“The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.”
In the statement, the NPF condemned attacks on law enforcement personnel and urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the apprehension of the remaining perpetrators.
On Saturday night, bandits attacked worshippers observing Ramadan prayers in Mairuwa village, situated in the Faskari local government area of Katsina State.
Some of the worshipers were killed in the attack.
At least two persons were shot dead while another sustained injury during the attack.
Daily Trust reports that one of the deceased persons was a prominent man simply identified as Alhaji Lado.
He was suspected to be the prime target of the assailants.
A source who described the deceased as a businessman, politician and large scale farmer, said the victim was killed when he refused to take orders from his murderers.
“They opened fire on him when they attempted to kidnap him but he refused to follow them,” the source said.
One of the survivors of the mosque attack told our reporter that the attackers kidnapped the wife and two daughters of Alhaji Lado.
An eye witness told our reporter that the other victim of the attack was a health worker he simply identified as Sani.
“He worked at the Mairuwa Health Facility,” the witness said.
Katsina is one of the worst-hit states of banditry. Many attempts to keep the criminals in check have not yielded desired result.
On Saturday, March 23, no less than two policemen attached to MOPOL 18, Owerri, Imo State, were killed by gunmen in the Okigwe area of the state.
It was learnt that the gunmen, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its affiliate, Eastern Security Network, threw dynamite at the police patrol vehicle and engaged the policemen in a gunfight along old Gariki Road.
Four other policemen were said to have sustained multiple injuries during the incident.
The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said, “The officers were ambushed in the early hours of today, March 23, 2024, while on patrol duties along old Gariki Road, Okigwe, by the disgruntled elements who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight.
“In the process, two officers paid the ultimate price while four others survived the attack.”
Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack, adding that the commissioner and the Commander, MOPOL 18 and 64, immediately led men of the command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Ex-Chelsea Star, Geremi Njitap Files To Divorce His 12-Years Of Marriage After Finding Out He Is Not The Father Of Her Twins
AFOLABIFormer Cameroonian and Chelsea football star Geremi Njitap has initiated divorce proceedings to terminate his marriage after discovering that he had raised twins for 12 years that were not biologically his.
The 45-year-old has been married to Toukam Fotso Laure Verline for over a decade.
According to The Sun, the couple’s twins were born after the player’s wife Laure had a fling.
The UK Sun reports that court documents in Geremi’s native Cameroon show Toukam “destroyed the harmony” of their marriage “through her abject behaviour”.
They also mention her “repeated lies”, and add: “No children have been born from this union.”
Toukam had claimed the twins born in June 2008 — four years before the couple’s marriage were his, which motivated them to get married.
“But the discovery that the children were from her previous partner destroyed the couple’s harmony,” the documents add.
The former Indomitable Lion also alleges verbal mistreatment at the hands of his spouse, claiming that he has been subjected to insults and derogatory language in front of their children.
During his playing days, Geremi Njitap was known for his versatility, being able to play at right back, right midfield or defensive midfielder.
Njitap played for Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Turkish club Gençlerbirliği among others before his retirement in January 2011.
Geremi earned 118 caps for Cameroon from 1996 to 2010, scoring 13 goals.
He was a member of their squad for seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning in 2000 and 2002, as well as the World Cup in 2002 and 2010 and a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics.
Some unknown gunmen have abducted at least 10 passengers traveling in a commercial bus from Wukari, Taraba State, to Gboko, Benue State, in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue.
The passengers, said to be artisans, were heading to Akure in a Sharon bus when their abductors stopped their vehicle, forced the driver out of the bus before driving into one of the forests in Jootar.
According to a source, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard in confidence, he received a call from the driver, who informed him of the development shortly after the incident occurred on Friday afternoon.
He said: “The driver called me that his vehicle, a Sharon bus, was stopped by heavily armed gunmen. He said they took his bus, abandoned him and drove the vehicle into the bush with 10 persons who looked like artisans who were supposed to alight in Gbok
“He said his phone was collected and he had to use somebody’s phone to call me just as the incident happened. The driver, who is somebody I know very well, said the incident happened around 12pm on Friday.
“The driver said he picked the passengers from Takum Junction, Wukari in Taraba State, and that the incident happened just two kilometres from there in Jootar, Ukum LGA. According to the driver, they were supposed to drop in Gboko as they were en route to Akure in Ondo State.”
Speaking on the incident, the lawmaker representing Ukum Constituency, Mr Ezra Nyiyongo, said: “I was told that a vehicle was intercepted. According to what I heard, he said he picked those people from Wukari, Taraba State, to convey them to Gboko. According to the driver, the victims were intercepted in Jootar, while they were going to Akure for menial jobs.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, said she had yet to receive any report on the incident.
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Lai Mohammed: "I spent hours or so, sweating to convince my wife" - How fake news threatened my 40-year-old marriage
AFOLABIThe former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Lai Mohammed, has disclosed how fake news on social media almost destroyed his 40-year-old marriage.
Mohammed lamented that one of the most challenging issues he faced while he was a minister was the spate of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
He stated this at an event to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate for literature.
He claimed that his wife woke him up in the middle of the night and begged to be a signatory to an overseas account in Ali Financial which allegedly contained $1.3 billion.
Mohammed stated that he was shocked at his wife’s request and had to convince her that no such account existed.
The former minister said he could not believe that his wife could take, hook, line, and sinker the fake story in circulation crediting humongous sums of money in overseas accounts to government functionaries/ministers under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
According to him, “Permit me to share publicly with you today, for the first time, how social media threatened the foundation of my forty-year-old marriage.
“It was sometimes in 2018 when I came to Lagos from Abuja for an official assignment.
“As usual, I retire to bed about midnight, but about 3 a.m., my wife gently roused me from my slumber.
“At first, I panicked, fearing that there had been a security breach, but my wife’s mind belied that possibility, for she was calm and composed.
“Solemnly, my wife asked me if I was fully awake as there were some serious issues to discuss.
“I could not fathom what was that urgent or serious to warrant being woken up at this time of the night.
My mind immediately did a kaleidoscope of my rascalities and escapades in the last few months.”
Mohammed said the accusation from his wife which according to him, was ‘a bombshell’ narrated to him in Yoruba language, but roughly translated thus:
“Daddy, death can come knocking at any moment, please let me also, as your wife, be a signatory to your oversea account in Ali Financial which contains 1.3 billion dollars.
“I spent the next two hours or so, sweating to convince my wife that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.
“I had to fetch a calculator and reproduce the Federal Appropriation Act for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 in the middle of the night and explain to her why it is simply preposterous for me to have 1.3 billion dollars in a foreign account.
“I explained to her that there is no year my capital budget exceeded N5 billion, which, at about N400 to a dollar, was just 12.5 million dollars.
“I explained that, even if I managed to divert every kobo of it to my personal account, it would take at least 104 years to save the sum of 1.3 billion dollars being peddled that I stole,” he said.
Mohammed added: “My wife insisted that the whole world believed the story and that her friends had as a result, besieged her with all kinds of requests.
“She said every effort on her part to deny the existence of this foreign account only succeeded in depicting her in the minds of her friends as a selfish, greedy, and uncaring friend.
“Is my wife truly convinced of my innocence? The answer is in the wind.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Saturday alerted members of the public, especially those who have loved ones abroad, of a new scheme by scammers who impersonate its officers.
The agency said the new scheme involves the scammers calling unsuspecting citizens to inform them of the arrest of their relatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos or any other international airport in Nigeria with illicit drugs upon arrival in the country.
This was made known in a statement by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy.
He disclosed that after throwing the family members into panic, they then demand millions of naira to facilitate the release of such persons from custody.
Babafemi said: “We have thwarted a number of such bids in the past when the family members called the Agency’s official contacts for help or clarification.
“At the moment, there is one of such scenarios the Agency has just investigated. In this case, the picture of a Nigerian man based in the US is being circulated with an audio of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating the payment of N5 million with a female relative for the release of the US-based Nigerian man purportedly arrested at the Lagos airport on Friday 22nd March upon his arrival with a ‘contraband’
“Just like in previous instances, our investigation has also shown that the current incident is the work of scammers. No NDLEA officer is involved in the audio conversation and the person whose photo is attached to the audio recording being circulated is not in our custody at MMIA or any of our Commands either as at yesterday or any other day.”
The NDLEA’s spokesman said the family members involved in this case are advised not to part with their hard-earned money to scammers.
He further urged Nigerians with loved ones abroad to keep discussions on travel plans of their relatives to themselves to avoid the hijacking of such by criminal elements for devious schemes.
NDLEA said those who may have a similar challenge, should feel free to seek help or clarification through any of these contact lines: +2347064670026 and +2348033326327.
Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has insisted the club does not need “big signings” this summer.
Laporta was responding to questions during an interview with MD, where he was asked about Erling Haaland rumours.
He said: “We don’t need any big signing. There will be movements but I don’t anticipate big ones, just team players.
“Our priority is to trust the team we have right now, we don’t want to sign players who could distort our harmony.”
On Frenkie De Jong’s future, Laporta added: “Frenkie de Jong is super happy here. The last thing he wants is leaving Barcelona.
“He always told me that he loves to be at Barça and we’re delighted with Frenkie too.
“I’m not worried with his future, at all.”
Colombian pop star Shakira has expressed doubts over finding love again after her split from former Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique.
The couple, who had been together for 11 years, announced their separation in June 2022.
This came amid allegations of infidelity on Pique’s part.
Shakira, who is now 47, said on Zane Lowe’s Apple Music 1 show: “I thought love would be there forever for me, and that’s one of my broken dreams.
“I don’t know if I’d like to find that again. Probably not.”
Despite the heartbreak, Shakira has focused on her music career.
Her long-awaited 12th album, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” was released recently, marking her return to the music scene.