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Police dismiss officer, suspend two others for extorting N30 million

Bankole ABE
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Police dismiss officer, suspend two others for extorting N30 million

THE Rivers State police command has dismissed an officer and suspended two others over an extortion allegation of N30 million from a resident.

The Command listed the names of the dismissed officer as Michael Odey, an inspector, and two suspended officers, Doubara Edonyabor and Talent Mungo.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 10.

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Iringe-Koko said both officers have been officially suspended following approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC).

She said Odey was found guilty and subsequently dismissed from duty, effective February 7, 2024, following thorough, orderly room proceedings and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16.

“Furthermore, during the aforementioned briefing, we provided information regarding the ongoing reviews of ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, as their respective ranks required approval from the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

“Today, we hereby inform the public that the Police Service Commission has officially authorised the suspension from duty of ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, effective from 29/02/2024,” the statement reads.

She said that the salaries of the implicated officers have been stopped, and the two officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is responsible for addressing disciplinary issues involving senior officers. 

She promised to give an update on other cases involving the affected officers.

The extortion came to light on January 19 when human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu said in a post on X that the officers had arrested a man, demanded $3,000 from him and then “dumped” him in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Command responded to the post shortly after, stating that the affected policemen had been identified.

The ICIR reported on February 23 that the affected police operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad of the NPF were arrested in Abuja, according to a statement released on Friday, February 23, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said the Force discovered the extortion through the X platform, and it arrested and detained the officers and their accomplices, who first fled as the investigation got underway.

It added that the disciplinary measure emphasised the NPF’s zero-tolerance stance towards any form of misconduct or corruption among its ranks.

The NPF, on April 13, 2023, fired three officers due to their excessive indiscipline, abuse of authority, mishandling of weapons, and waste of live ammunition.

 

Police confirm abduction of 15 students, woman by bandits in Sokoto

Bankole ABE
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Police confirm abduction of 15 students, woman by bandits in Sokoto

THE Sokoto State police command has confirmed the abduction of 15 Tsangaya students by bandits at the Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

Reports indicate that the event happened on the school grounds around 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 9.

Confirming the incident in a chat with The ICIR on Saturday, the Sokoto state police command spokesperson, Ahmad Rufai, said 15 students were abducted within the school. At the same time, a woman was kidnapped outside the school.

” Yes, it is true. They invaded the school and took the Almajiri children and abducted a woman on their way out,” Rufai stated.

He said the tactical unit of the command had been mobilised to go after the bandits.

“We are on a special mission to recover the victims, and we will get them back.”

He gave assurance that the police were on top of the situation.

Also confirming the incident to Punch, a member of the state House of Assembly for the Gada-East constituency, Kabiru Dauda, said he received a call from the village at around two in the morning informing them that bandits had invaded the town.

Recall that The ICIR reported on Thursday, March 7, that over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State, were abducted by bandits.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. while the students assembled for their morning brief.

The Headteacher of the school and some other staff were reportedly among the victims. According to Shitu, a resident of the town, most of the pupils ran out of their classes when they sighted the bandits on the school premises.

However, a teacher of the school, Sani Abdullahi, said at least 287 students and a principal, Abubakar Isah, were abducted when bandits invaded the School, Kuriga, Kaduna State.

Abdullahi revealed this during the visitation of Governor Uba Sani and some other state government officials to the school hours after the incident, noting that 187 students were abducted from the secondary school section and 125 from the primary school section, totaling 312 students.

Terem Moffi excluded as Osho, Tianimu get Super Eagles call- up

Dotun OMISAKIN
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Terem Moffi excluded as Osho, Tianimu get Super Eagles call- up

THE Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has invited two players, Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho and former Bendel Insurance player Benjamin Tianimu, ahead of the two international friendly matches.

Ahead of the friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, billed to be held this month, The ICIR analysis shows the exclusion of Terem Moffi and Williams Troost-Ekong from the 27-man list.

The exclusion of Moffi has resulted in mixed reactions while understandably Troost-Ekong was out owing to injury.

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Ahead of the friendly matches, the Super Eagles is still without a coach after Jose Peseiro parted ways as the coach of the Super Eagles on Friday, March 1, 2024

The match against Ghana will make it a month and eleven days the Super Eagles will return to field after finishing as the runners-up at the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.

It could be recalled before the announcement to play Ghana, Nigeria were supposed to take on Argentina but it was cancelled.

Ahead of the friendly matches below are the list

Goalkeepers

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defenders

Gabriel Osho (Luton FC, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff City, Wales); Benjamin Tianimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland).

Super Eagles call-up excites newly invited Tianimu

The former Bendel Insurance player Benjamin Tianimu who plays in a Tanzania club, Ihefu SC has expressed his excitement over the call-up.

“Glad to have been invited to the @NGSuperEagles of Nigeria for the upcoming International Friendlies against Mali & Ghana.

“I’m most excited & thankful to the @thenff & the coaching crew for the invitation. Clarion Call heard — To Serve Nigeria with All Strength!,” he wrote via his ‘X’ handle @TaniBenjamin28

 

Family, friends mourn as wigwe, wife, son are laid to rest

Itoro ETUKUDO
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Family, friends mourn as wigwe, wife, son are laid to rest

FAMILY and friends of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, have mourned his demise, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.

The funeral service followed a week-long rite held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, March 9.

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Dignitaries present to pay their last respect are Former Governor of   Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Aliko Dangote, and His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Also, present to pay their last respect are Governors Alex Otti, Dapo Abiodun, Sim Fubara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Douye Diri were present. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, GovBabajide, and Former Transport Minister Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

The security team for the funeral was led by the State’s Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu. Also in attendance were, clergies, traditional rulers from the Omoeke, Wigwe’s hometown, and monarchs from Isiokpo.

The ICIR reported earlier that Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and the group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo were involved in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America (USA) on February 9.

Kaduna abductions: We must ensure safe, secure nation for our children – Obi

Bankole ABE
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Kaduna abductions: We must ensure safe, secure nation for our children – Obi

THE Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Peter Obi, said Nigerian children must be allowed to learn in a secure and safe environment.

Obi was speaking following the abduction of more than 200 school children in a school in Kaduna during the week.

He disclosed this in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, in Abuja on Saturday, March 9.

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The former Anambra state governor decried the continued security challenges in Nigeria and called for government intervention.

“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna state.

” I urge every Nigerian to continue to work and pray for the nation so that we can collectively conquer our challenges.

“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams and aspirations in a safe and secure nation. This is our duty in the New Nigeria which is possible,” Obi stated. 

Obi declared that it was intolerable that criminals would prevent Nigerian children from attending school in a safe setting.

He asked the appropriate authorities to do everything possible to guarantee that children attend school and study in a supportive environment. 

He also said that citizens have a duty to worship their creator and conduct business as usual.

He demanded coordinated action to counter the threat of insecurity issues facing the nation.

He questioned Kaduna State’s security problems because it has the nation’s largest military and other security establishments.

He stated that the children’s safe release should be the main focus of efforts and that more robust security measures need to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He asserted that the detrimental effects of insecurity on the nation’s educational system will be more severe.

According to him, Nigeria is already struggling with children who are not attending school as a result of school closures brought on by insecurity.

He claims that any school attacks will only make these figures worse, push more kids onto the streets, and worsen the nation’s already precarious security situation.

He pleaded with all branches of government to do all within their power to secure the safe return of the kidnapped schoolchildren.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has denied hiring a private negotiator to negotiate the freedom of over 200 primary school pupils abducted by bandits in the Kuriga Community of Chikun Council Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by the state’s governor chief press secretary (CPS), Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the state government said it has neither hired a negotiator nor contemplated making such a move.

He described the report as “mischievous,” claiming that it might potentially undermine the work of security personnel and the government to ensure the safe return of the abducted youngsters.

He pleaded with media outlets to confirm state government information before publishing it.

The ICIR reported that a school teacher, Sani Abdullahi, confirmed the abduction of 287 students when bandits invaded the Local Education Authority School, Kuriga, in Kaduna State.

 Abdullahi revealed this during the visitation of Governor Uba Sani and some other state government officials to the school hours after the incident, noting that 187 students were abducted from the secondary school section and 125 from the primary school section, totalling 312 students.

The ICIR, on Thursday, reported how the assailants invaded the school and reportedly kidnapped over 100 children, alongside some staff of the school.

 

Ngannou apologises to fans after losing against Joshua

Dotun OMISAKIN
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Ngannou apologises to fans after losing against Joshua

MIXED martial arts star Francis Ngannou has apologised to his supporters over his inability to win against Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight clash.

The heavyweight clash staged at Riyadh Kingdom Arena early hours of Saturday, March 8 has gained widespread attention, with reactions.

Netizens have expressed their amazement about the fight which saw Cameroonian’s Ngannou floored twice in the bout.

The ICIR had reported how Joshua punched unstabled Ngannou, leaving him hapless on the ground for a few seconds before returning to his feet after the referee counted to eight.

Also, the second round witnessed a repeat of the first round before the bell rang signaling the end of the fight and Joshua’s win was rung.

Ngannou after he was relieved the fight displayed sportsmanship after was relieved as he and Joshua shook hands.

Meanwhile, the mixed martial arts star who won Tyson Fury in his debut boxing bout described his loss in the second boxing bout against Joshua as a bad day in the office.

In his tweet via his ‘X’ account @francis_ngannou, he wrote: “Sorry guys I let you all down 😔 Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love ❤ ️.

After the end of the bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, the next heavyweight match dated May 18 is between Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk.

The bout has been described as the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999.

 

 

Nigerians spend N858 to eat a healthy diet in January – Report

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Nigerians spend N858 to eat a healthy diet in January – Report

AS of January 2024, a Nigerian would averagely spend N858 to eat a healthy diet, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown. The new amount is higher than the N786 reported by the bureau in December 2023. 

This shows an increase of 9.16 per cent within one month.

NBS said that the Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) is the least expensive combination of locally available items that meet globally consistent food-based dietary guidelines. It is used as a measure of physical and economic access to healthy diets.

The CoHD data assesses the availability, price, and nutritional composition of retail food items to identify the most cost-effective combination meeting the requirements for a healthy diet.

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When evaluated by states, the data shows that it is more expensive to eat a healthy diet in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states than in Kastina, Niger and Kano states. 

Residents living in Osun spend N1,090 on a portion of healthy food, while residents in Ondo and Ekiti spent N1,087 and N1,063 respectively making it the states with the highest amount spent. 

Meanwhile, the states with the least expenses are Kastina with N629, Niger with N629 and Kano with N649 spent. 

Zone CoHD amount
North Central 769
North East 859
North West 683
South East 986
South South 872
South West 1045

CoHD in Nigeria geo-political zones/ Source: NBS, January 2024

By geopolitical zone, NBS data showed that the average CoHD was highest in the South West Zone at N1045 per day, followed by South East Zone at N986 per day. The lowest average Cost of a Healthy diet was recorded in the North-West Zone with N683 per day.

The rising cost of a healthy diet could be connected to the increasing inflation affecting food prices at local markets.  The ICIR reported that as of January 2024, the inflation rate rose to 29.90 per cent. This rate which is the highest ever recorded in Nigeria has consistently increased since President Bola Tinibu enacted policies around fuel subsidy and naira devaluation when he assumed office in May 2023. 

This recently led to protests in different parts of the country in reaction to the high cost of living, with citizens in Niger, Kano, Lagos, and other states demanding solutions to the economic crisis.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso said that the country’s inflation rate is expected to drop to 21.4 per cent in 2024.

He said, “We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in our FX (forex) markets in the short, medium, and long term. Our focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of our markets over the years.”

Over 6m people displaced by insecurity, disasters in Nigeria – Commission

Bankole ABE
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Over 6m people displaced by insecurity, disasters in Nigeria – Commission

THE National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has revealed that over 6 million people have been displaced by insecurity and natural disasters in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijjani Aliyu, during a visit to the Kastina state governor, Dikko Radda, on Friday, March 9.

According to him, as of 2022, the commission has about 3 million displaced persons. However, with floods and other natural disasters, it increased to 100 per cent of displaced people.

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“What do we do if all of them cannot go back? How do we fend for them? Can the government continue to fend them, providing them succour? Absolutely not possible; we have to find a way to teach these individuals trades and give them skills so they can be on their own,” Aliyu stated.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Aliyu disclosed the commission’s intention to construct three well-furnished skills acquisition centres across the Northeast from the 2024–2025 budget.

He said the essence of the visit was to distribute food items to about 700 displaced people in Kastina state.

He said the children of the displaced persons had received educational training funds from the commission, and about 120 of them were trained and given some small starter packs to improve their living standards.

According to Aliyu, the commission discovered a water issue at the Internally Displaced (IDP) camp and promptly solved it by installing a solar-powered borehole.

To address their medical needs, the commission also planned to enrol the IDPs in a health insurance program, according to the head of NCFRMI.

In response, the governor, Radda, praised the commission’s action and stated that it is the joint duty of the federal and state governments to protect the welfare and well-being of internally displaced people.

He noted that there have been numerous security issues in the state lately, particularly in the eight frontline local government councils.

The governor expressed concerns that the food basket of the state had been affected the hardest and that most of the villages had been uprooted.

Radda expressed delight with the improvement in security with the establishment of the Katsina Security Watch Corps (SWC).

Although the governor called for increased cooperation with neighbouring states, he hoped criminals wouldn’t have a chance to hide due to the federal government’s recent deployment of more security personnel.

In February 2024, The ICIR, in this report by Abdulrasheed Hammad, uncovered the sad reality of children who are displaced and endangered by hunger and malnutrition amidst government neglect in Sokoto state.

The report also highlights the harsh lives of refugees in Wurno and Wamakko IDP camps, displaced by bandits and Boko Haram, and the impact on their livelihoods.

Ramadan/Lent: SSS warns against economic sabotage, price gouging

Bankole ABE
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Ramadan/Lent: SSS warns against economic sabotage, price gouging

THE Security Service (SSS) has warned against  economic exploitation and price gouging during the Ramadan and Lent fasting periods.

The Service warned traditional leaders, religious leaders of both faiths, and other interested parties not to engage in profiteering, sabotage, or economic exploitation during these crucial duties.

The Secret Service also warned Nigerians against packed gatherings. The agency said the warnings are essential to avoid likely threats.

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The organisation’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said this on Friday, March 8, while Felicitating the Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan and the Christians for the Lent period.

Afunanya, on behalf of the SSS, urged the public to notify the security services of any unusual movements or activity.

“It appeals to stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage, or profiteering during these important obligations. This is more so that illegal practices such as price gouging or unethical marketing tactics are ungodly, violate fairness, and can undermine the true essence of the holy events.

“As believers, it is incumbent upon us to uphold good standards and ensure that everyone can observe the religious duties with ease and dignity. Furthermore, the Service encourages clerics and religious leaders to uphold empathy as well as prioritise cooperation and conflict prevention beyond the periods under reference,” the statement reads.

The SSS encouraged the media to use their platforms to promote informed and accurate engagements that can enhance the achievement of national security objectives and interests.

It emphasised that the period calls for tolerance, brotherhood ties, communication, and peaceful coexistence among the people.

The SSS also advised Nigerians to be vigilant against public dangers, especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and avoid packed gatherings.

According to him, the DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites. Hence, it encourages worshipers to promote understanding, compassion, and respect for one another during and after the exercises.

“Accordingly, the management extends its heartfelt felicitations for peace, unity, and harmony to adherents of these faiths. The DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites and enjoins worshipers to promote understanding, compassion, and respect for one another during and after the exercises,” The secret police stated.

Similarly, the Service urges communication, brotherhood, tolerance, and peaceful cohabitation among the people to create a safe and secure nation.

Price gouging is the act of raising the cost of products, services, or commodities above what is deemed justifiable or reasonable.

The ICIR reported in February that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) sealed off the popular Sahad Store in the Garki area of Abuja over irregular price fixing.

The supermarket’s management was accused of overcharging customers by implementing prices that were different from those listed on the shelf tags.

The store was later reopened after all issues were resolved.

ECOWAS: Over 3,500 attacks reported in three Sahel countries

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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ECOWAS: Over 3,500 attacks reported in three Sahel countries

IN 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, which are part of the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] recorded more than 3,500 terrorist attacks. These attacks led to more than 7,000 deaths within the countries.

According to the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission, Abdel-Fatau Musa, during the weekly press briefing on Friday, March 8, said that nearly 2,000 attacks were recorded in Burkina Faso, over 1,044 in Mali, and 500 in the Niger Republic. 

While explaining that the community would establish a terrorism force to address the challenge, he said, “The whole geographical area of West Africa is rich in human and natural resources. However, our geographic area is an area of immense vulnerability.

“In the three Sahel countries, a total of 4.8 million people faced food insecurity, 2.4 million people were internally displaced and close to 9,000 schools remain closed in the region. Burkina Faso has already taken over from Afghanistan.”

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The ICIR findings from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) for 2023 showed that 8,474 people were killed due to various attacks in Burkina Faso. Also, in Mali and Niger Republic, 4,317 and 1,149 people were reportedly killed. 

For some months, some ECOWAS countries have struggled to maintain democratic governance systems, especially with the military takeover in Niger last year, including  Mali in both 2020 and 2021 as well as Burkina Faso in 2022. The unsetting crisis has forced ECOWAS to impose sanctions on the countries. 

Military takeover in Africa from 1999 till date
Military takeover in Africa from 1999 till date

The ICIR reported how President Bola Tinubu, who is also the president of ECOWAS, appealed to the three countries after they threatened to exit the community. 

Meanwhile, a separate analysis by The ICIR reviewed how Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali’s exit from ECOWAS will affect Nigeria.

A diplomatic analyst and social critic, Majeed Dahiru, told The ICIR in an interview that “The key lesson is to make our democracies more democratic and ensure that the dividends of democracies are delivered to the people. This will enable people not to seek alternatives as witnessed in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.”

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