The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the significance of impartiality for judges during a special session marking the commencement of a new legal year and the induction of new senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Addressing the audience, he stressed the duty of judges to maintain impartiality in their decisions, considering it a fundamental characteristic. Ariwoola, speaking on Monday, urged all judges to uphold impartiality in their judgments, stating, “Needless to say, impartiality is the hallmark of a judge.” He took the opportunity to encourage the legal luminaries, judicial icons, and other distinguished figures in the justice sector to…
Author: Hassan Haruna
UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has made a commitment to deal with problems like harassment, violence, and crimes against journalists. From January 2019 to June 2022, they recorded 759 attacks on journalists, including 5 killings, during 89 elections in 70 countries. Dr. Rita Bissounauth, the Liaison Director of UNESCO in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, spoke to African journalists about the dangers they face. She mentioned that journalists are often imprisoned, abused, or even killed while doing their jobs. Stressing the important role journalists play in a democracy, she stated that UNESCO will focus on…
A significant portion of Kabba Central Market in Kogi State suffered a devastating fire in the early hours of Monday, 27 November 2023, resulting in the destruction of goods and properties valued at millions of Naira. The fire, which began around 5 am, quickly engulfed the market’s bustling stalls and shops, causing widespread shock and sorrow among traders and residents. The flames mercilessly consumed numerous businesses, dealing a severe blow to the livelihoods of those who depended on the market. Despite the swift response of sympathizers who rushed to the scene to combat the inferno, the intensity of the fire…
The ECOWAS Court of Justice recently directed the Nigerian government to modify specific parts of the 1992 Nigerian Press Council Act to align with global standards supporting free, diverse, and professional journalism. This decision came after two Nigerian journalists filed a lawsuit, alleging that the government violated their freedom of expression rights by imposing restrictive conditions for journalism practice. The journalists argued that the 1992 Nigerian Press Council Act unfairly discriminated against online and citizen journalists, failing to acknowledge the significance of public interest media. The ECOWAS Court, through Hon Justice Dupe Atoki, the Judge Rapporteur, ruled in favor of…
Russian air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones in various regions, including Moscow, just a day after Kyiv reported the “largest drone attack” since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated on Sunday that air defense successfully destroyed four Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk, Smolensk, and Tula regions. Russia also reported the downing of some drones over the Moscow region. Additionally, the Russian army claimed to have intercepted two Ukrainian missiles over the Sea of Azov, which is situated between the two countries. In response, Ukraine asserted that its air defense had managed to down eight…
The 11th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) concluded in Abuja, culminating in the election of new executives to oversee its operations for the next three years. Following a closely contested election, Aisha Bura secured the position of National President, defeating the incumbent, Ladi Bala. Mike Ikeogwu, the Chairman of the NAWOJ 2023 Electoral Committee, announced Aisha Bura’s victory on Sunday, November 26, 2023, emphasizing that NAWOJ members expressed their preferences through the ballot. Other successful candidates include Lilian Ogabu Okonkwo as Deputy National President, Waslia Ladan as National Secretary, and Aisha Cole as Assistant…
Fahad Shah, a well-known journalist from Kashmir, has been released from jail after spending over 600 days in confinement. The court granted him bail, stating there was insufficient evidence to try him for terrorism. Shah, 34, owns and edits the independent news portal Kashmir Walla, which was banned by the Indian government without declared reasons earlier this year. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, in its bail order, expressed that the local agency, Special Investigation Agency (SIA), lacked evidence under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a stringent terror law. The UAPA has faced criticism for being…
Reports by Trendygists stayed that the actor, Sylvester Madi, had been in Bamenda, Cameroon, after local filmmakers invited him to shoot a film called ‘Abakwa.’ However, last night, when Sylvester and his team decided to relax at a leisure spot in Bamenda, chaos broke out as Ambazonia Boys, also known as Amba Boys, caused disturbances. The Amba Boys argued that the owner of the drinking spot brought Sylvester without settling them, leading to a disagreement that escalated into gunfire. Panic spread through the leisure spot, with people seeking cover on the ground. Sylvester sought refuge in the VIP section, hiding…
Between last night and this morning, there were loud gunshots in different areas of Freetown, prompting the government of Sierra Leone to declare a nationwide curfew. A report indicates that a group of armed individuals attacked the military armory in Wilberforce and managed to steal a significant number of weapons. This incident has raised serious security concerns, leading to the implementation of measures such as the curfew to ensure the safety of the people. More details to come soon…..
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, in a successful operation in Borno State, eliminated more than 100 heavily armed terrorists who were gathered in an isolated location at Tagoshe on the Mandara mountain The terrorists, including key figure Abu Asad from the Ali Ngulde group under Boko Haram, were targeted in the airstrike. According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), footage indicated that the terrorists were assembling for either a planned meeting or preparing for a significant attack on troops The heavily armed individuals were observed engaging…
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stressed the importance of increasing the number of police officers in the country during his visit to the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, Kwara State. He expressed concern about the challenging work conditions faced by police personnel, noting that, on average, one policeman performs the duties of two individuals. Egbetokun acknowledged the strain on officers who often transition from night to morning duties, highlighting the unfortunate situation where officers, exhausted from their demanding schedules, may inadvertently doze off in public, becoming subjects of ridicule through shared photographs. Addressing the shortage of manpower,…
On Friday evening, a group of violent bandits wreaked havoc in the Yantu and Ussa local government communities of Taraba state, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives. According to local reports, the assailants targeted Rubur Ribasi, Nyicwu, and Ruwah communities in the Yangtu Special Development Area around 6:00 PM, claiming the lives of nine individuals. Additionally, one person fell victim to the attackers in the Tukwog Community along the Takum-Manya road. Yakubu Tinya, who narrowly escaped the assault, recounted the harrowing experience, mentioning that the attackers, some of whom appeared to be Fulanis, descended upon the communities, killing…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concerning development in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating that monkeypox, a disease previously believed to transmit primarily from infected rodents, has now been confirmed to spread through sexual transmission. This revelation comes amid the largest outbreak of monkeypox ever recorded in the country. In a recent statement, WHO disclosed that an individual from Belgium, who identified as a man engaged in same-sex relations, tested positive for monkeypox after traveling to Congo in March. The person had frequented underground clubs catering to gay and bisexual men. This marks the first definitive evidence…
Miss Hope Bitrus, a serving Corps Member in Katsina State, has brought joy to more than 70 less privileged men and women living with disabilities. As part of her Personal Community Development Service (CDS), she organized a training program on menstrual hygiene for over 200 girls in three selected secondary schools in the state capital. The girls received sanitary pads generously provided by the compassionate donor. The impactful event took place at the Pavilion of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, MD Yusuf Complex, Mani Road, Katsina, on a Friday. Hajiya Aisha Muhammad, the state NYSC Coordinator, expressed her commendation…
Two individuals who held significant positions of authority within the Nigerian military have faced removal from their roles as a consequence of their engagement in acts of theft. The decision to dismiss these high-ranking officers was made in response to their actions, reflecting a commitment to upholding integrity and discipline within the military hierarchy. This course of action underscores the importance placed on maintaining a high standard of conduct and accountability among those entrusted with leadership responsibilities in the Nigerian armed forces. These officers were part of Senior Course 43 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.…
The Kaduna State Army Command successfully captured three people who were selling weapons to the well-known terrorist leader, Bello Turji. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared the news on Thursday, November 23, mentioning that the arrests took place in Kaduna from November 14 to 17. According to Buba, these individuals were on their way to deliver weapons and ammunition to Turji in Zamfara state when the army intercepted them. Turji, notorious for serious crimes, including the killing of 200 people in January 2022, had been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters on November 14, 2022,…
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concerns regarding the current functioning of Nigeria’s legal system. The forum has articulated apprehensions about the way in which the legal framework in the country is operating as it pertains to the efficacy and fairness of the legal processes and procedures in Nigeria. The NEF is apprehensive about the functionality of the legal system and has highlighted the need for a thorough examination and potential reforms to address these concerns. They are concerned that people might start to doubt if the courts are fair and trustworthy. Professor Ango Abdullahi, who leads the Forum,…
Violent protests broke out in Dublin, Ireland, following a suspected knife attack that left four people, including three young children, injured. The incident occurred outside a school, where a five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were seriously injured and receiving emergency treatment. Two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. A man in his 50s, believed to be connected to the incident, was detained and hospitalized with serious injuries. The woman injured in the attack reportedly works at the school and cares for the children. Despite the severity of the situation, police…
In the northern regions of Tigray and Amhara in Ethiopia, more than 50 individuals have lost their lives as a result of both a severe drought and a cessation in the provision of essential aid, as reported by local authorities. This distressing situation has been exacerbated by a series of five consecutive unsuccessful rainy seasons experienced in the Horn of Africa since the year 2019. The impact of these climatic challenges, coupled with the disruption in humanitarian assistance, has given rise to a critical humanitarian crisis, leading to significant loss of life and increased vulnerability among the affected populations in…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formulated a comprehensive strategy to pursue legal actions against a total of 1,076 people who stand accused of committing electoral offenses in the aftermath of the 2023 general election. This legal initiative spans across all 35 states, reflecting the commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring accountability for any alleged misconduct. INEC’s proactive stance in prosecuting these individuals underscores its dedication to fostering a fair and transparent democratic environment in Nigeria. A reliable source at the commission revealed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Police…
To address the increasing problem of fake degree certificates, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has made a strong decision. They’re now asking graduates from nearby countries such as Benin and Togo to provide a master list. This means they want to check a comprehensive list before accepting these graduates into their programs. It’s like a step they’re taking seriously to make sure that people coming from these countries have genuine qualifications. This move by the NYSC shows that they are taking a careful approach to deal with the issue of fake degrees. They specifically want to focus on graduates…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally requested additional information from Beijing regarding an outbreak of mysterious pneumonia in northern China, predominantly affecting children. In a statement released on Wednesday, the United Nations health agency emphasized the need for detailed insights into the surge of respiratory illnesses and reported pneumonia clusters among children. This development comes as China experiences a notable rise in cases resembling influenza-like illnesses, deviating from the strict measures implemented in the previous three years as part of its zero-COVID strategy, which was abruptly abandoned in December 2022. The WHO highlighted statements from China’s National Health Commission,…
Several members of the House of Representatives are recommending the imposition of a ban on the importation of items that could be locally manufactured within Nigeria. This proposal is outlined in a comprehensive report presented by the joint committees on Finance, National Planning and Economic Development, and Aid, Loans, and Debt Management. The report, focusing on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP), was reviewed by Nairametrics. In addition to the import ban recommendation, the committees emphasized the necessity for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate foreign exchange availability to banks. This strategic move…
The House of Representatives took a decisive stance on Wednesday, tasking the Nigerian Correctional Service with the responsibility of providing a detailed account regarding the inmates who managed to escape from the Medium Security Custodian Centre in 2022. This call to action transpired during a plenary session, where the House mandated its Committees on Reformatory Institutions, Interior, and Police Affairs to collaborate with the heads of pertinent security agencies. Their objective is to compile a comprehensive report outlining the current status of the escaped inmates. This proactive move by the House demonstrates a commitment to addressing the security challenges posed…
Continuing with his earnest efforts in the ongoing resettlement initiative, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has taken a significant step by formally ceasing operations at the Government Senior Science Secondary School (GSSSS) Monguno Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. This decision is part of a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the school and facilitate the resumption of academic activities. The Governor, who has been present in Monguno since Monday, officially announced this development on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the camp. The purpose of the visit was to assess the extent of the damage caused by the Boko Haram attack…
Niger is grappling with severe consequences following the July 30 coup that ousted President Bazoum, as millions face hardship due to economic sanctions. The military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), has appealed to West Africa’s regional court in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking the removal of sanctions imposed by neighboring countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Younkaila Yaye, a government lawyer, argued that the sanctions have affected every sector of Nigerien society, exacerbating the challenges in one of the world’s poorest countries. The CNSP’s takeover prompted…
The indomitable forces of the Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), led by the seasoned General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut, persistently amplify their efforts in a relentless campaign against terrorism. Their unwavering commitment is evidenced through a continuous series of clearance operations within the expansive North West region. In the latest display of their prowess, the troops of OPHD executed a meticulously planned clearance operation on the 21st of November 2023 in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto state. This strategic maneuver effectively liberated Alya Fulani village and dismantled the…
Economic pundits have expressed their views, suggesting that the economic reform policies initiated by the government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are contributing to the prevailing economic hardships faced by Nigerians. Notably, analysts attribute the challenges to a confluence of factors, including regional instability, the impact of climate change, and the pervasive issue of inflation, all of which collectively contribute to heightened levels of food insecurity across Nigeria. According to estimates by the United Nations, a staggering 25 million individuals in Nigeria, constituting approximately 15% of the total population, find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of…
Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa expressed concern about Finland allegedly supporting separatist leader Simon Ekpa, a key figure in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group. Musa, during a House of Representatives debate, called for diplomatic action and summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria to clarify their government’s stance. He accused Ekpa, residing in Finland, of causing havoc in the South-east through sit-at-home orders, leading to violence. Musa highlighted the February meeting where Nigeria’s former Foreign Affairs Minister expressed displeasure to the Finnish Ambassador over Ekpa’s threats. Despite Ekpa’s brief arrest in Finland related to a money collection…
In the early hours of Wednesday, a group of gunmen launched a daring attack on the Adamawa State Police Headquarters, plunging the residents of Yola into a state of panic. Situated in the heart of the Jimeta community within the Yola North local government area, the Police headquarters became the focal point of a turbulent incident that unfolded in the darkness of the night. According to an anonymous resident, the unsettling sounds of gunshots echoed through the air for a duration of at least 30 minutes, creating a sense of fear and uncertainty among the local population. The gravity of…
