The Defence Headquarters has said that the 287 students of a school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, who were kidnapped last week are being held in locations that are difficult to get to.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who spoke to newsmen on Thursday, March 14, said the kidnappers are using their victims as human shields to prevent further air and land offensive against them.

He further revealed that it took more than six hours after the students were abducted for the information to get to security agencies before machinery was commenced for the rescue efforts.

Buba said;

“We have depleted their ranks, neutralized many of their commanders and foot soldiers. The terrorists exhibited gross cowardice by going after children. We have taken their Commanders out. We recently acquired new air platforms to further decimate them. They know we mean business. It is to protect themselves that they went after the students. But we will not rest until all the kidnapped victims are rescued.

“As in every war, there are complexities and ours is no exception. Recently, cases of citizens being abducted in the North East, North West and North Central theatres of operations were recorded.

“These citizens were abducted by a brutal and blood tasty group that should only be addressed as tettorists not bandits. I repeat, these are terrorist and not bandits.

“They are holding these citizens against their will and against all norms of human behaviour, and against the laws of armed conflict and any good measure in the world.

“Several of their leaders and commanders have been neutralised as a result of troops onslaught. They want to use these hostages as human shield for their survival. Nevertheless, be assured that we will not rest until the hostages are returned.

“No doubt, this is a difficult situation, but not one that is insurmountable. The hostage situation is an extremely sensitive one which unfortunately is not unprecedented in the history of the ongoing war.

“These hostages are being held in locations that are difficult to get to, but not out of reached. The situation is however indicative of the desperation of these terrorists to avoid troops onslaught by all means.

“Recall that in recent times troops have decimated several of the terrorists leaders, commanders and foot soldiers and fast closing in one several others.

” These terrorists have exhibited cowardice by going for such soft targets to impede troops advances. I assure you that we will not rest until they are returned.

“Given the hostage situation, it can be deduced that the search and rescue effort was grossly affected by the none timely notification of troops of the incident. Nevertheless, I can assure you that we will not rest until these hostages are returned.

“However, because of the sensitivity of the matter, I can not go into further details as to signs of life, location, and the different options that we have in order to get these hostages back.

“Let me further assure that, getting these hostages back is very clearly on the top of our priorities. It is for this reason we have leveraged on our international partners for support.

“Accordingly, they are providing the necessary support including intelligence that is giving us the advantage in dealing with the ugly situation."

The General Overseer of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly called Odumeje, has refuted claims that he revels in occultism and diabolism.

This is even as he disclosed that assertions that he’s a fake prophet are false.

He made clarifications amid admonition by gospel singer Dunsin Oyekan that Christians should be weary of the ‘abido shaker’ trend, stressing that it makes a mockery of the Christian faith.

“Been seeing videos and people writing ‘Abido Shaker’ and the rest… Believers, the things we find funny are a mockery of our faith. We should shut things like this down! No, it’s not funny! You will be shocked at how gullible some people are! #wakeup,” Oyekan said.

However, Odumeje, in a viral TikTok video, said that his miracles are all about Jesus, adding that he’s Christlike.

According to Odumeje: “I don’t have anything to do with fake power; only Jesus appears to me. I have never gone to any place or native doctor to seek power. It’s all about Jesus.”

The Nigeria Police Force Lagos State Command has arrested one Olaseinde Ojo, a suspected armed robber and kidnapper at Post Officer Isokoko who disguises as a lunatic to get close to his victims and then rob or kidnap them.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday March 14, also said another arrest was made along Dolphin Bridge when police operatives patrolling that axis intercepted a dispatch rider identified as Samson Shina ‘m’ in possession of a locally made pistol and some charms.

The statement reads in part: 

“The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in their quest to tackle crimes and criminality across the country have once again recorded milestone achievements in various areas. It is our responsibility as the lead Security Agency in Nigeria to update the public of our efforts to curb the menace of crimes in our society, and also educate Nigerians on the series of antics adopted by Criminals so as to guide against them

For instance, our operatives in Lagos State and FCT Command, having intensified their operational strategies, have successfully arrested several criminals connected to atrocious crimes. Among these is the arrest of one Olaseinde Ojo ‘m’, a suspected armed robber and kidnapper at Post Office, Isokoko who disguises as a lunatic to get close to his victims and rob or kidnap them.

He added

‘’Operatives of the FCT command on stop at search duty around Taxi Park area, Abuja, accosted a motorcycle carrying 3 passengers one Usman Musa ‘m’ and 2 others, and found in their possession a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with 11 rounds of live ammunition. Search conducted in their premises also led to recovery of $5,800 fake dollar notes and other incriminating items.

Amid rising concerns about personal safety, the Nigeria Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize their security. With recent reports highlighting various incidents, including thefts, defilement, and assault, it’s essential for individuals to take proactive measures. These include being sensitive to their surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit places, particularly at night.

Moreover, members of the public are encouraged to keep their belongings secure and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. By staying alert and cautious, everyone can play a role in fostering a safer society for all, and we will not fall into the antics of the criminals.”

A Zimbabwean man has been arrested for killing a three-year-old child in a suspected ritual murder.

The suspect identified as Steady Munda killed the young child in a bushy area before throwing his lifeless body into a river. Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko who confirmed the gruesome incident which took place on Monday night in Chemowa area, Zhombe, said;

“I can confirm the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of the toddler whose body was dumped in the river. Investigations are in progress.”

Eyewitnesses told H-Metro that Steady was in the company of another individual named Caston Mucheuki when they boarded a commuter omnibus headed to Chemowa Primary School to repair some windows.

Their journey took an ominous turn when the vehicle became stuck in the sand near a river. The driver requested that passengers disembark while he resolved the issue. It was during this time that Steady mysteriously vanished, prompting Caston to initiate a search for his missing colleague.

Caston, accompanied by other male passengers, scoured the area for Steady. They encountered a group of distressed children who informed them that a strange man had fled with a toddler.

The children led the search party to the other side of the river, where Steady was apprehended just after disposing of the child’s lifeless body in the water. Steady is currently under police custody at ZRP Gokwe.

Upon being apprehended, Steady implicated a local businessman named Tambu in the heinous crime. He accused him of orchestrating the murder.

Men of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a 42year-old man identified as Auwul Shaibu, for allegedly raping his 9-year biological daughter.

The incidents occurred in Kabak Mubi South local government area on Monday, March 11. The suspect Auwal Shaibu was apprehended following a report by his wife Asmau Isa.

During the course of investigation, the suspect confessed committing the offence but blamed it to taken too much alcohol and Drugs.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, SP Nguroje, said the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Dankombo Morris, has ordered for a diligent investigation and prosecution of the suspect upon completion of the investigation.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appealed to all state governors to set aside their political differences and focus on governance.

He also said the country is no longer in the state he met it since assuming office nine months ago, assuring Nigerians that the “tunnel is not as dark as when we started”.

“Since we recognise the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance,” Tinubu said when he hosted Governors for a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Tinubu to Governor: It is time for governance; let us set aside political differences.’

Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the solemn season for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.

He said, “Your excellencies, it is a very great honour to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan which coincides with the Christian Lent.

“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.

“We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”

Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.

“I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,” the President said.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.

On the payment of wage awards to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.

”Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,” the NGF Chairman said.

The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.

In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari had hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers, among others.

Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to withdraw orderlies attached to lawmakers in the National Assembly and those attached to politicians in the country.

Ndume stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

He said, “I support that they should take away all their police (officer).

“One Senator will be going around with 10 policemen, seven, members of House of Reps, everybody. That is for those who are mobile. Some even give security to their wives, others give security to their children. I am against that.”

According to Ndume, Nigeria, with about 300,000 policemen, does not have enough to police the country, hence, orderlies of Very Important Personalities should be withdrawn to protect the people.

“Let’s have like 2 million police, 500K soldiers,” he said.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to give security agencies a blank cheque, give them all they want in terms of funding and weapons to fight the menace of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.

Ndume said the President should empower the police to increase their manpower to two million men and the military to 500,000.

The Senator from Borno South Senatorial District, however, said he won’t vote for state police if it comes up in the constitution amendment process, adding that it would be abused by governors.

A 60-year-old man, Bamidele Haruna, was on Thursday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court for allegedly presenting a forged National Identification Number.

The defendant is facing three counts of conspiracy, forgery, perjury, and impersonation preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that Haruna and others, now at large, conspired and committed the offences on March 5, 2023.

Osuji said that the offence was committed during working hours at the Federal High Court Lagos Division in Ikoyi.

He alleged that the defendant obtained and presented a Deed of Indenture to the Federal High Court, for verification when he appeared as a surety.

The prosecutor further told the court that Haruna had sworn an affidavit of means by using one Bamidele Fagbamila as his bonafide name and also used the same name in the National Identity Management System, a representation he knew to be false.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 365 (1) (a), (b) and 85 (1) of the criminal law of Lagos State in 2015.

However, Haruna pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

Consequently, Magistrate Oluwatosin Erinle, adjourned the case till March 19, 2024, for facts and sentence.

The 81 Division Nigerian Army has apprehended nine individuals who were masquerading as soldiers and engaging in criminal activities in Lagos State.

The Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The suspects were said to be involved in various offenses, including performing illegal duties, providing unauthorised security services, and offering illegal escort services while wearing military uniforms.

The statement partly read, “The impostors who were paraded to the media on 13 March 2024 at Headquarters 81 Division NA, Victoria Island Lagos were identified as, Mr. Abua Jacob, Mr. Solomon Abraham, Mr. Mohammed Jemilu, Mr. Michael Omieh, Mr. Dauda Samuel, Mr. Bida Musa, Miss Esther Audu, and Miss Vivian Titus.

“These suspects have been arrested for various offenses, including illegal duties, providing illegal security, and illegal escort services while donning military uniforms.

“Their actions have not only compromised the safety of civilians but also tarnished the esteemed image of the Nigerian Army.

“Mr. Abua Jacob, a dismissed soldier, was apprehended on February 7, 2024, at Alaba International Market, Ojo Lagos, for impersonation.

The Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Ayodele Subair said about fifty taxes will be cut down to a single digit.

Subair disclosed this in an interview with Arise Television.

According to Subair, the tax policy will be implemented sometime during the year 2024.

He said the Lagos State Government is looking at archaic and ancient tax laws and trying to make amendments to them.

The chairman said, “We are all aware that the commander in chief has appointed Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who used to be the head honcho at Price Water House. So, there’s a committee called the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.

“So, they’re doing a lot of work right now trying to harmonise taxes. They’re looking at the ancient or archaic tax laws and trying to make amendments to them.

“So, we expect a lot of good news on that front for taxpayers. I’m sure they’ll be relieved to know that some of the taxes that bring the multiple taxation conversation will be dealt with.

“And he’s presently talking, from his interim report, he said that forty, fifty taxes will be thrown down to single digit. So, we are expecting the laws to come out sometime this year.”

The LIRS chairman urged Lagosians to file their tax returns before the deadline that is March 31st, saying that the filing of tax returns is “not only a constitutional obligation, it’s also a legal obligation, and also a moral or social obligation. It’s important that everybody files their returns before the end of the deadline.”

Subair said, “You’re supposed to report your global income. So basically, whether you’re in employment, or you’re in trade or vocation or some profession, you’re expected to aggregate all the incomes from all the sources and report it truthfully.

“All residents of Lagos are supposed to report all income, whether it is local income earned or foreign income earned. Now, we have a challenge with the local Japas as they are called, and they are expected to truthfully file what they’re earning, even if it comes from offshore,” he added.

He however revealed that there were incentives and specific types of tax returns when taxes are filed on time.

Subair said, “When we talk about tax credit, usually, it comes by way of repayment, perhaps they’ve made certain repayments. For instance, if you have rental income and you have a tenant, your tenant is expected to withhold a certain percentage of the rent and remit on your behalf, so, that becomes a credit to you.

“Also, if you have dividends in maybe a Plc, it’s also subject to withholding tax deductions. So, you’re allowed to set that off your eventual tax liability. So, those are the sorts of incentives. There’s also the fact that if you file within good time, then you’re entitled to 1% discount off the tax payable.”

He listed the consequences of not filing tax returns, saying, “If you fail to file, for instance, we will take you to court. And upon conviction, you will pay a fine of N50,000. Also, we can go the other route and do a best of judgement assessment on you.

“Usually, the best of judgement is based on probably what you filed the previous year, and when we issue that assessment notice against you, you have 30 days to respond, to pay, and if you don’t pay, we can go to a law court.

“And we don’t need to go to an open court, all we need to do is to go into the chambers of the judge, and once we lay all the records before him, we are likely to get that judgement against you. So, it’s not a good thing to be on the wrong side of the law.”

The LIRS chairman said, “Well, that’s very robust, because as a responsible organization, we subscribe to the NDPR- Data Privacy Act, and all data within our confines are treated as highly confidential. And this is a point we constantly, during our training with officers, we over emphasize this point, it’s got to be confidential.

“People have got to be able to come and tell the state that these are the economic activities that I’ve been involved in and this is the income that I’ve earned. And if they do not feel that they’re acting in a confidential way, it may deter some people from coming.

“So, confidentiality is key. And we have audits on data protection, and we have an annual audit, and we have to be certified. We have a data protection officer who is assigned specifically to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all levels,” he said.