President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reiterated his directives to security agencies and the ministry of defence that no ransom should be paid by the government to kidnappers, bandits, or any criminal elements for the release of abducted persons.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by the President at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is coming on the heels of the reported cases of kidnapped children in Kaduna State who are still held in captivity by their abductors and are demanding billions of money for their release.

He said, “In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the ministry of defence to ensure that those of our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely.

“And Mr President has also reiterated his zero tolerance for payment of ransom. That was also mentioned by Mr. President at the council today. So the security agencies are working around the clock.

“So these children and people that have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon. The security agencies are working hard in that direction. And Mr. President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by government to any of these criminal elements. It is important that it be put out there.”

While fielding questions on the increasing wave of kidnapping in the country, the Minister said, “You’re also asking about the apparent surge in this kidnapping across the country. Now it is true that some of these are happening, we have seen what has happened in Kaduna, in Borno, and then in Sokoto.

“Of course, the government is watching that very closely and not just watching but also ensuring that security agencies are taking proactive steps to ensure that this is halted significantly.

Now, like I said, Mr. President has said that it is an unacceptable situation, and the government will not condone abductions or kidnappings, or any kind of criminality in that direction. We’re seeing this happening, and the government is taking very proactive steps, first to mitigate that, and also to stop the spread of this apparently.

“We are seeing that the more the security agencies are also hitting these targets or criminals, the more they are pushed to also get some soft targets. But the government is not taking any excuses.

“The President has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process to ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom.

“So it’s important to underscore that the government is not paying anybody any dime, and the government is optimistic that these children and other people that have been abducted will be brought back to their families in safety.”

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, argues no rule in Islam prohibits non-Muslims from eating in public during the Ramadan fast.

In reaction to reports alleging that the Hisbah police warned non-muslims against eating in public during Ramadan, Ahmad further clarified that not eating in public during Ramadan fast could only be seen as a gesture of goodwill and respect.

Naija News reports that the former presidential aide further disclosed that Islam preaches respect and consideration for the beliefs of non-Muslims.

“It is important to note that no rule in Islam prohibits non-Muslims from eating in public during Ramadan. In fact, respect and consideration for others’ beliefs are highly valued in our religion. While non-Muslims living in a Muslim-majority community are NOT expected to fast during Ramadan, it is seen as a gesture of goodwill and respect for them to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. This is simply out of consideration for the fasting Muslims around them, but it is not compulsory,” he wrote in a post on his official X account.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 13, resolved to investigate the arbitrary increase in the price of cement by cement manufacturers in the country.
The House resolved to invite cement manufacturers alongside the Ministers of Solid Minerals Development and Trade and Investment to brief the House at plenary on reasons for the increasing cost of cement and efforts being made to force down the price.

This followed a motion on notice sponsored by Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP, Nasarawa) and Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos).

Moving the motion, Gbefwi said manufacturers of cement have increased the price of their products by up to 50%, leading to sharp hikes in building blocks, the cost of building, and consequently, the price of rent across the country

According to him, the raw materials for the manufacture of cement, which include lime, silica, alumina, iron oxide, and gypsum are all sourced locally and not affected by exchange rate volatility.

He said all the factors of production and elements of the cement production flow chart are also sourced locally and have not changed significantly year-on-year.

He alleged that the manufacturers of cement are capitalizing on exchange volatility to arbitrarily increase the price of the product, whose cost of production has not changed significantly since last year.

He accused those he called the cement cabal of unconscionably inflicting hardship on Nigerians as the prices of rent and associated services have increased.

He alleged further that the increase is a direct affront and sabotage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s effort to bring comfort to the populace and should be resolved immediately.

Contributing to the motion, Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa) said the parliament must not close its eyes and watch cement manufacturers inflict pain on the Nigerian people through arbitrary increases in the prices of cement.

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau) accused cement manufacturers of practically sabotaging the efforts of the government to provide affordable housing for the Nigerian people.

Gagdi said while the prices of cement were rising above the reach of the average Nigerian, people from neighbouring countries were enjoying the benefit of the products.

Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) wondered why cement manufacturers should be increasing the prices of cement almost daily and declaring billions of naira as profit. Pricing cement is above the reach of the average Nigerian.

George Ozodinobi (LP, Anambra) calls for mass importation of cement into the country, saying doing so will force down the prices of locally produced cement.

He said when licence was given to Ibeto to import cement by the Yar’adha administration he was frustrated out of the business by cement manufacturers in the country.

Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano) accused cement manufacturers of sabotage and working against the provisions of the Constitution, saying what the cement manufacturers are doing was corruption.

But Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) cautioned against any drastic action against the manufacturers, saying Nigeria was operating a free market economy while saying that those contributing to the motion were speaking from the socialist point of view.

He said even though he was on the side of the Nigerian people, the point must be made that there is no monopoly in cement production in the country, adding that the cement plants were sold to the highest bidders, describing Nigeria as a net exporter of cement in Africa.

He said Nigerians must understand that the cement manufacturers were paying for the cost of energy as they have to generate their own power using gas which is priced at an international rate, but the lawmakers shouted him down.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate re-opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu also directed the immediate lifting of other sanctions against the country.

The statement further explained that the President’s directives were in compliance with the resolution of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its last extraordinary meeting in Abuja.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu has directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

“This directive is in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.

“ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately: Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.

“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as a freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.

“Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD. Travel bans on government officials and their family members.”

President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed on Wednesday has expressed his displeasure at the action of thr Nigerian Senate to suspend Senator Ningi.

Describing him as one of the ‘best of us from Bauchi’, the Governor said he is saddened that the Senator was suspended for telling the truth and called for proper investigation into the alleged N3 trillion budget padding in the approved 2023 fiscal document.

Abdul Ningi, a senator representing Bauchi Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the amount is strange to the lawmaker and has no allocation in the approved budget.

Ningi, was also the Chairman, Northern senators was deserted by his colleague for raising the issue, saying the claim did not represent the views of the Forum. He has come under fire and was suspended by the Senate for three months. The lawmaker also resigned his position as the leader of the Forum on Tuesday after the suspension.

Meanwhile, while reacting to the development, Governor Bala Mohammed while speaking during a meeting of the State Executive Council on Wednesday, said that he is in support of Senator Ningi.

He said: “We will continue as opposition to the Federal Government but that will be done in our own modesty and that is not to disparage our country. Yesterday, I was very sad that the Senate suspended one of our best in Bauchi for telling the truth, for standing to be the beacon of truth –Senator Abdul Ningi.”

“Equally I don’t know what we will do but we will discuss privately to see what we can do to support him because I support whatever he is doing. And that is the face of the opposition, especially if what he is saying is the truth. We will investigate that. I am not too quick to go to the media but, certainly, he has shown courage. He has shown he is from Bauchi and we have to be with him,” he said.

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has claimed that the attack on the North is being orchestrated by forces within and outside the country.

He stated this while reacting to the abduction of 61 people in Buda village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday.

Fani Kayode condemned the act, describing it as cowardly, condemnable and despicable.

He wondered who had decided to inflict Kaduna State and its people with troubles through the kidnap of their indigenes.

Speaking via his X account, Fani-Kayode wrote, “The attack and kidnapping of another 61 people in Buda Village, Kajuru Local Government, Kaduna State in the early hours of Tuesday is yet another cowardly, despicable and condemnable act.

“Four days ago, I wrote that this whole nightmare was being orchestrated by some dark and sinister forces from within and outside our country and that for our nation to have experienced 3 mass kidnappings and abductions of women and school children in the space of one week in three separate states in the North (namely Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto) was NO coincidence.

“Tuesday morning’s dastardly act makes it the fourth!

“Who is targeting the North and by extension Nigeria for destruction and who has decided to afflict the beautiful state of Kaduna and trouble its people and hardworking and diligent Governor just after he has established a bridge of peace, love and unity between Christians and Muslims in the state?

“Who seeks to rob us of our peace, who hates our people so much, who is trying to bring us to our knees and who wishes such ill for Nigeria?

“In the fullness of time, all these questions will be answered and those behind this great evil will be exposed and brought to justice.

“Once again my heart goes out to @ubasanius and the people of Kaduna state and I join millions of others in praying for them and boldly proclaiming that we shall overcome.”

Tobechukwu, the son of Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, has tied the knot with his partner.

Naija News recalls that the movie star in January announced the engagement of his son via her Instagram page, alongside photos of the proposal.

Omoni Oboli took to her Instagram page on Wednesday to share a photo of the wedding ceremony, stating that they had the most beautiful wedding with close family and friends.

She captioned the photo, “God did!!!  It was a cold winter evening but it was very warm in our hearts We had the most beautiful wedding ever with close family and friends. Still reeling from the beauty of that day Thank you Jesus ❤️
Presenting the latest Mr and Mrs Oboli

“Welcome to our world @marelleoboli love you so much my baby girl  PS: Thank you @wannebaybee for hooking me up with @pearls_bridals for my beautiful dress and @onyix_craft for my auto gèle and accessories more pictures and videos loading”

The Kano State Hisbah Board’s Department of Public Enlightenment has arrested 11 Muslims for eating during daylight hours, a time when fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims.

The arrests were made on Tuesday, as confirmed by Hisbah spokesman Lawal Fagge to the BBC.

The group consisted of 10 men and one woman, caught eating across different parts of the city, notably near bustling marketplaces.

The Hisbah Board, a religious police force in Kano State, Nigeria, enforces Sharia law among Muslims. The arrested individuals, including a woman selling and consuming groundnuts from her own stock, were reportedly released after they committed to abstain from eating during fasting hours for the remainder of Ramadan.

They were required to swear an oath to this effect, with some also needing their relatives or guardians to vouch for their future compliance.

This crackdown follows the announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, marking Monday, March 11, 2024, as the commencement of the 1445AH Ramadan.

During this period, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations, among other prohibitions, to purify the soul and practice self-discipline as ordained in the Holy Quran.

Fagge emphasized that the board’s operations are targeted exclusively at Muslims, with non-Muslims exempt from these restrictions.

However, he issued a warning against non-Muslims selling food to those who are fasting, indicating that such actions would be deemed offensive.

A yet-to-be-identified woman residing in the Gbagada area of Lagos State reportedly met a tragic end after being fatally stabbed by her househelp.

Naija News reports that the househelp, identified only as Peter, is currently on the run, with the timing of the murderous act still unclear.

The sombre revelation came to light on Saturday, March 9, 2024, when the deceased’s son, visiting his mother, stumbled upon the harrowing scene.

According to reports from Vanguard, he found his mother’s lifeless body on the staircase, a sight marred by blood, signalling a violent struggle.

Reports detailed that the building was securely locked, indicating an absence of occupants after the incident. It was revealed that the victim lived alone, and the property also hosted three shops at the front.

A local, preferring to remain anonymous, detailed the chilling moment the woman’s son encountered the tragedy, highlighting the discovery of a long piece of wood nearby, suspected to be the murder weapon. Indications suggest that the murder might have occurred several days prior to the discovery, given the condition of the victim’s body.

Further investigations revealed that Peter, the accused househelp, had only been employed for a week before the incident. This raises questions about the vetting process and the safety of in-home workers. A relative of the agent responsible for Peter’s employment has been detained, and the agents themselves are currently evading authorities.

The aftermath of the discovery saw the involvement of the Ifako Police Division, who promptly evacuated the victim’s body from the scene. Efforts to garner statements from the devastated son were unsuccessful, as he was understandably overwhelmed by grief.

Divisional Police Officer, DPO Owolabi Sefunmi, of the Ifako Police Division, directed inquiries to the Lagos State Police Command for further comments. The Lagos State Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended and is now in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCIID, Panti, ensuring that justice is pursued rigorously.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, again increased the exchange rate for calculating Customs duties at the country’s seaports by 1.9 per cent to N1.624.732 per US dollar amid the Naira crisis.

Data on the official portal of the Nigeria Customs Service indicated that the rate was raised from N1,593.888 to N1.624.732 per USD on Tuesday.

The implication is that importers who opened Form M on Tuesday will pay more to clear their goods as import duties are benchmarked against the dollar.

Meanwhile, port users have rejected the policy of using the exchange rate on Form M for import duty payment because it will add more challenges to the trade process.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Emenike Nwokeoji, said using the Form M rate will create a discrepancy in duties paid on similar imports.

According to him, it would further create uncertainties around the country’s pricing structure of goods and services.

“It will also create abnormal increases in the final sale prices of items, which is largely driven by uncertainties, rather than market fundamentals, and will have implications on inflations,” he warned.

DAILY POST recalls that the CBN had raised the exchange rate for import duties at least six times in the last six weeks.

On February 2, the CBN adjusted the exchange rate for calculating import duties from N951.941 to N1,356.883 per US dollar; on February 3, it was raised to N1,413.62/$; on February 10, it was raised to N1,417.635/$; on February 12, it was reviewed to N1, 444.56/$ and February 14, the rate has been raised to N1, 481.482/$.

Meanwhile, the CBN also reduced the exchange rate depending on the standing of the Naira against the USD in the forex market.

Earlier in a fresh guideline in February, the apex bank advised NCS to adopt a foreign exchange closing rate on the date of the Form M submission by importers for the clearance of goods and import duty assessment.