Man shot while approaching Buhari in Kebbi

An unidentified man was shot in the foot while attempting to move towards President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Argungu, Kebbi State. The president was in the state for the 2020 Argungu Fishing Festival.

In a video obtained at the festival, the man was seen moving close to the president.

It was believed that the man had penetrated the president’s tight security and attempted to go close to him before Buhari’s security detail prevented him and shot him in the foot.

Operatives of the Department of State Security were said to have later carried the man to an unknown location. When contacted on the telephone last night, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed the incident, saying the man was an overzealous supporter of the president who did not know that he had crossed the line of security. Shehu said: “He is an overzealous supporter who wanted to reach the president clearly out of goodwill. He didn’t know the limit and security implication. He didn’t know that he was crossing the line of security.” But sources alleged that the man was an aggrieved Nigerian who wanted to attack the president.

Scarves: A fashion staple for your hair

Scarves are not just clothing items they are fast becoming a fashion staple.

Gone were the days where the major purpose of wearing a scarf was just to cover your hair.

Now, they have become more versatile and easily fashionable and can be rocked on both formal and casual outfits.

They can effortlessly be paired with your corporate outfit to your place of work to dinner dates with friends and family.

All that is required is some creativity and you’d be amazed as to how you can tie your scarf.

Tying scarves require a certain kind of skill and if you can pull it off rightly, you are going to be looking classing all day every day.

Popular on Instagram for her creative ways of showing us how versatile tying of scarves can be, Yasmine (___enimsay), shows different ways you can tie your scarf and still look chic and classy. She makes use of long scarves in order to be able to achieve all these looks.

Gunmen attack Gospel musician Atorise

Nigerian gospel artiste, Lanre Teriba aka Atorise, has been attacked by unknown gunmen suspected in Lagos.

The incident happened on Saturday night at the Berger end of the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway while the singer was returning from an engagement. 

He escaped the attacked but he is seriously injured and currently on admission in an undisclosed hospital.

Buhari asks National Assembly to exempt animal feed from VAT

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has asked the National Assembly to exempt animal feed from the list of items that would attract payment of the Value Added Tax.

He stated this in a communication read on both chambers of the federal parliament by the presiding officers, Messrs Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday.

Buhari specifically asked the apex legislative institution to amend the recently approved Finance Bill 2019 to accommodate the exemption.

He also said that aspects of the existing tax holiday incentive for agriculture should be targeted at small and medium-sized companies.

Such firms should be those that invest in primary crop, livestock, forestry and fishing agricultural production.

He said the incentive would also be administered by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission pursuant to the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act.

Buhari said the amendment would help to support the implementation of the 2020 Federal Budget.

BREAKING: Banished Emir Sanusi leaves his Nasarawa residence

Dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, has left the Loko residence, a town in Nasarawa State where he was banished to.

The former Emir left shortly after arriving at the residence.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was airlifted in a helicopter with no word about where he was being taken.

More to follow…

BREAKING: Aminu Ado Bayero emerges the new Emir of Kano

Aminu Ado Bayero becomes the new Emir of Kano after the dethronement of Sanusi Lamido.

Aminu is the former Emir of Bichi before court's annulment.

However the new Emir of Bichi kingdom will be announced soon.

Ganduje removes Sanusi as Emir of Kano

Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi ll has been dethroned over disrespect to the office of the governor and other government agencies. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, said the removal was with immediate effect.

The emir’s action violated the part 3 section A-E of Kano state law, hence the removal. He said the removal was in line with consultation with relevant stakeholders.

He said a new emir would be announced in due course.

NURTW Is Providing Sanitisers At Parks To Prevent Coronavirus – MC Oluomo

Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya aka Mc-Oluomo, has said that the union is providing sanitizers at motor parks across the state to prevent any probable spread of the novel Coronavirus disease in the state.

Mc-Oluomo made this known on Thursday during a visit by the state ministry of health and strategy team to his office in Oko Oba area of the state.

He said, “In a bid to stop the ravaging Coronavirus, the union is contributing its quota by making hand sanitizers available at our parks.

“As we are aware, our members interact with different kinds of people at motor parks and this makes them vulnerable to infectious disease.

“We will also be holding an enlightenment campaign amongst our members to create awareness about the virus.”

The NURTW boss urged commercial drivers to maintain personal hygiene and cultivate regular handwashing habit.

Assault: Court okays process to begin Oluwo’s trial

An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court  on Friday granted an ex parte motion filed  by   the Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa, Oba Dirkrullahi Akinropo, seeking an order  compelling  the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, to appear for trial over alleged assault against him.

Akinropo, through his lawyer, Soji Oyetayo, approached the court with a motion dated  February 27 seeking, among other reliefs, the court’s approval to file another application compelling the  Oluwo to appear for trial.

The monarch also in a 41-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion alleged that Akanbi assaulted him in the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone XI, during a peace meeting  on February 14.

In the ex parte motion  filed before the court, Akinropo urged  the  court to stop the respondent from harassing, intimidating, threatening or attacking him or  using thugs and miscreants to do so.

The applicant also sought an  injunction restraining the respondent from further indulging in any act in any manner whatever likely to, or capable of causing  the breach of public peace and tranquillity, and/or capable of endangering the life of the applicant in order to maintain peace pending the determination of the motion on notice to be brought pursuant to the leave herein.

Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara, while ruling on the ex parte motion, granted the relief sought  by the Agbowu to file  an application compelling Akanbi to appear before the court  for trial.

Speaking with reporters after the session, Oyetayo  said,  “We sought an order seeking leave of the court to file another application to bind him (Oluwo) over. That was the application that was heard and granted today. When we file a motion on notice, it will be fixed for hearing.”

Start printing UTME slip – JAMB tells 2020 candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Saturday said prospective candidates for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are free to print their examination slips for the Computer Based Test.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, Head, Media and Information of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the examination slips for the UTME which to is to commence nationwide on Saturday, March 14 could be printed anywhere.

Benjamin also stated that candidates are expected to look out for the locations of their centres before their examination dates.

“This is in order to avoid running around on the examination day trying to locate the centres, and as a result, getting to the centre late.

“It should be stated clearly now that lateness to the examination will not be tolerated, no matter the excuse,” he said.

Benjamin said that come 2021, the board’s portal would be integrated into that of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

“Admission into our tertiary institutions are at the centre of national development, and therefore, any person or group of persons found to be truncating the national development process will not be assured.

“This integration will be done in such a way that anyone, be it from JAMB itself, institutions, the candidates or the general public, causing infractions of whatever type to our examination and its processes will be decisively dealt with immediately,” he said.

“The board will not relent in its effort, in ensuring that its processes are devoid of corrupt practices,” he assured.

Coronavirus: Two British Airways staff test positive

British Airways has confirmed that two of its staff, have tested positive for coronavirus.

The staff are believed to be baggage handlers at London’s Heathrow Airport.

It brings the total number of infected persons in the UK to 163.

British Airways has encouraged its staff, to take unpaid leave as the virus continues to spread rapidly.

“Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that two members of our staff, have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

“The welfare of our passengers and colleagues is our top priority. A dedicated team from Public Health England is in place at Heathrow to respond to any incidents,” a statement read.

British Airways has already cancelled all flights to China, while also slowing down on destinations in Europe, Japan and South Korea.

For 4 hours, bandits killed, maimed in 5 Kaduna villages

They came on motorcycles, in the quiet breeze of the early morning when many had left the comfort of their beds to congregate for the Subhi (early morning) prayer. It was 5:30am and the sounds of the assailants’ gunshots created panic; there was confusion and many ran in opposite directions, not certain where the bandits were coming from. They had targeted and descended first, on Marina village in Kerawa district of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Without mercy, they shot at men, women, children and the elderly. “Those of us who used local charm and were impervious to their bullets paid a different price,” said a member of the vigilante group who escaped the attack. “They ran over some of our men with their motorcycles. Because their bullets failed, their machetes were used to cut, slice and hack our people down and others were set ablaze,” he narrated.

After almost four hours of massacre that extended to four additional villages, our correspondents learnt that the bandits had only retreated when air and ground reinforcements from security agencies began their onslaught on them. By noon, the dozens of bandits that ambushed the five neighbouring communities of Igabi and Giwa local government areas of the state had left a trail of bloodbath, ashes of the people they burnt and empty shells of vehicles and homes they ransacked and set ablaze. Marina village recorded 13 casualties, Kerewa village recorded 23 while 15 others were from Zariyawa, Rago and Unguwan Musa. Ibrahim Aliyu, a member of the vigilante at Marina village said the bandits had hit Marina first and on noticing the smoke emanating from the village, youths from neighbouring Kerawa had rushed to render assistance but were equally ambushed by the bandits.

Togo confirms first case of Coronavirus

Togo on Friday, confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus.

The case was confirmed after a 42-year-old woman tested positive following her return from a trip to Benin, Germany, France and Turkey.

The presidency in a statement said the index case is currently isolated in a treatment centre for infectious diseases”

“From February 22 to March 2, 2020 she visited Benin, Germany, France and Turkey before returning to Togo via the land border with Benin.

“All people who had contact with the patient in the country have been identified and put in quarantine,” the statement added.

In Africa, Senegal , South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon have recorded positive cases since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.

Ondo banks close at noon over robbery scare

Customers of commercial banks in Ikare Akoko, the headquarters of the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, were disappointed on Tuesday as the banks abruptly shut down by midday due to the fear of an armed robbery attack.

This came almost a month after a gang of armed robbers attacked some bank branches in Ile Oluji, the headquarters of the Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area of the state, during which four persons, including a policeman, were killed.

It was gathered that the banks in Ikare Akoko stopped attending to customers around noon after receiving a security alert that robbers were planning to attack them.

A customer, who identified himself simply as Kareem, said, “The banks were under lock and key and denied customers entry, while some of the customers, who were already inside the banking halls, were hurriedly sent out by the security guards of the banks.”

A bank official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the action of the institutions was to prevent loss of lives and property, adding that the security signal was for them to stop operation and not let anyone enter the banking halls again.

“We had to obey the instruction to stop work, because we didn’t want any attack on our banks. However, if the instruction comes again to open for operation tomorrow (Wednesday), we will open for customers, but if not, we will close until the coast is clear. It is very unfortunate that the issue of insecurity does not have a solution in our country, the official stated”

It was, however, learnt that shortly after the closure of the banks, police and army patrol vehicles were driven round the town, particularly in the areas where the banks were located.

US offers N2.5bn for information on Boko Haram leader, Shekau

 

The United States Department of State is offering a reward of up to $7m (N2.5bn) for information leading to the arrest of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

The Rewards for Justice Program, which is the counterterrorism rewards program of the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, said this in a tweet on its official Twitter handle on Tuesday.

The tweet reads, “The United States Department of State offers a reward up to $7m for information leading to the arrest of the terrorist, Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram.

Kano Assembly Receives Petition To Investigate Emir Sanusi

The Kano State House of Assembly has received a fresh petition against Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II for alleged behavioural misconduct.

The petition, according to the Chairman committee on local government and Emirates, Hon. Zubairu Masu was submitted by two people requesting the house to make a necessary and thorough investigation about the allegations, they claim is contrary to the culture and tradition of the people of Kano.

During plenary on Wednesday, the report was submitted to the House Committee on petitions for considerations.

The assembly also constituted a committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hamisu Chidare and seven others to investigate the petition against the Emir.

Meanwhile, a source within the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, said Emir Sanusi has been invited over to answer questions on alleged corruption charges leveled against him.

Emir Sanusi has been accused by the Kano state government over allegations of misappropriation of over N3.4 billion funds meant for Kano Emirate.

Court Orders Oshiomhole To Stop Parading Himself As APC Chairman

 A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted an order of interim injunction stopping Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from parading himself as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Danlami Senchi who granted the injunction on Wednesday said that political parties must be bound by their constitution and having been suspended by his ward, Comrade Oshiomhole is restrained from functioning as the National Chairman of the party pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The judge fixed hearing for April 7 and 8, 2020.

Protesters have been demanding the removal of Comrade Oshiomhole for failing in his duties of providing quality leadership for the party, a call the APC leader dismissed, tagging the group “a non-existing” one.

BREAKING: Italy returnee confirmed Tunisia’s first coronavirus case

Tunisia has confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, the health ministry said on Monday.

The Health Minister, Abdelatif el-Maki, said this at a news conference in Tunis, the country’s capital, explaining that the patient is a 40-year-old Tunisian man who had returned from Italy.

Similarly, two new cases of novel coronavirus infection were confirmed in Algeria, the Algerian Health Ministry said on Monday.

The two include a 54-year-old woman and her 24-year-old daughter, who live in the northern province of Blida, some 50 km to the southwest of the capital city Algiers, the ministry said.

The two patients have been placed under quarantine and are currently undergoing medical treatment, it added.

In late February, Algerian health authorities announced the first confirmed coronavirus case in the country, involving an Italian national who had been deported back to Italy after receiving medical care.

Gunmen in Nigeria Kill 51 People in Attacks in Northern State

Gunmen in Nigeria killed at least 51 people in attacks on villages in the northern state of Kaduna, a lawmaker representing the area said.

The attacks on Sunday targeted villages in the Igabi and Giwa districts of the state, Uba Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central, said on his verified Twitter account.

“The cold-blooded murder of about 51 persons in Kaduna villages has further deepened the pain of Nigerians,” Sani said. “The security agencies must go to any length to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book.”

Africa’s most populous country of more than 200 million is experiencing attacks by armed groups targeting remote villages in the country’s northwest for their livestock and granaries.

Corper found dead in a hotel, days to end of service

A female National Youth Service Corps (#NYSC) member identified as Amaka Asikaogu has reportedly died in an Abuja hotel a few days to the end of her service, TheSun reports.

According to the news reports, Amaka and a male friend checked into the New England Hotel in #Abuja on Saturday evening, after which the man ordered for food and drinks.

Shortly after the two were served their order, the man left the hotel leaving Amaka in the room. As gathered, the hotel staff who saw the man leaving the hotel asked about the lady (Amaka) that accompanied him, and he assured them that she is fine and was alone in the room.

The hotel workers had nonetheless checked on Amaka by placing a call to her room, which she answered, confirming that she was fine and alone in the room. She was said to have been alone in the room till the following day.

When it was time to check out, however, Amaka was not seen. The management was worried and had to force their way to the room and found Amaka’s lifeless body in the room.

We are well equipped to handle coronavirus—FG

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it is well-equipped to detect and handle case or cases of coronavirus. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this during a press briefing on FG response to Coronavirus, following the first confirmed case in Nigeria.

He appealed to Nigerians not to panic, saying that “we know that at times like this, purveyors of fake news and disinformation usually ramp up their acts. We are therefore urging Nigerians not to fall for the antics of purveyors of fakes news and disinformation”. “Fortunately, Facebook is working with us in this regard. They have asked Nigerians to report any false or misleading report on Facebook and Instagram pages so they can immediately bring them down”

Alleged fraud: Buhari suspends coordinator of amnesty programme

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has suspended the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Charles Dokubo, over fraud allegations.

Buhari wielded the big stick following the recommendation of a panel chaired by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.).

The State House said in a statement on Friday night that the panel had looked into the “numerous allegations and petitions surrounding the Presidential Amnesty Programme” and came to the conclusion that Dokubo should be suspended.

In Dokubo’s place, a caretaker committee has been appointed by Buhari to review the programme by bringing its operations in line with the objective of the scheme.

The mandate of the Monguno panel was  to “ensure that allocated resources are properly utilised in consonance with government’s objective of alleviating problems in the Niger Delta region, and stamping out corruption in the amnesty programme.”

As for the review committee, the statement, which was signed by Buhari’s media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, said it was directed to review the programme and “oversee the running of the programme henceforth, with a view to ensuring that government objectives are achieved.”

Dokubo and the PAP had been in the news lately, with one of the allegations being that 75 ex-militants said he did not pay them their allowances totalling N492million.

The ex-militants alleged that the money covered their monthly stipend of N65,000 from January 2011 to May 2019.

Another allegation was that Dokubo “manipulated” the allocation of 75 slots  to the Benuwolo Camp in breach of operational procedures.

Recall that in December 2019, the ex-militants had sued Dokubo before the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over the same matter.

The court had summoned Dokubo to appear before it on January 21 to answer to the allegations of fraud raised by the ex-militants.

Protected: Coronavirus patient attempts to escape Lagos isolation centre

BREAKING: Italian confirmed as first case of Coronavirus disease in Lagos

The first case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Lagos. The Minister of Health, Osagie Enahire, announced this early Friday morning.

The case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

The government says the patient is in clinically stable condition, with no serious symptoms and is being managed at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

Also speaking on the development, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a statement, also confirmed the case, and noted that the State Emergency Operations Centre had been activated to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.

According to the statement, the Italian, whose name was not made public, entered Nigeria for a brief business visit, but fell ill the next day, and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing.

“COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control”, Prof Akinyemi notes.

The statement further read in part: “The Government of Lagos State under the Governor as the COVID-19 Incident Commander, through the the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has been strengthening measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is controlled and contained quickly in collaboration with the multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.

“I wish to assure all Lagosians and Nigerians that we have been strengthening our preparedness since the first confirmation of cases in China. We will use all the resources made available by the State and the Federal Government to respond to this case.

“We are working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in Nigeria. Please, be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Lagosians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:

1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.

4. Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing. You can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve at the bent elbow.Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

5. Stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing”.

He also urged citizens not to abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic.

Ex-banker sentenced to 18 years in prison for fraud

A former Relationship Manager with a bank in Enugu, has been handed an 18 year jail sentence after being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Enugu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-amended-count charge bordering on forgery, altering and giving a loan with defective collateral.  

EFCC Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade said the convict identified as Onyekachi Nwosu was found guilty on all the six-count charge and sentenced accordingly. He revealed that Nwosu altered several account documents of his friend who he illegally granted loan to enhance his Visa application to United Kingdom.

Justice D.V. Agishi who ruled on the case, said the prosecution team proved its case beyond doubt. 

Orilade said; 

“On counts one and two, he was sentenced to five; while he is to serve two years each on counts three, four, five and six. The cumulative 18 years prison terms will, however, run concurrently.

“Investigation by EFCC revealed several professional misconducts by Nwosu who took undue advantage of his position as a Senior Bank Supervisor and account officer to forge a document titled LETTER of SET-OFF which he used to illegally grant a loan of N34,900,000 to a customer and his company from several fixed deposits of other customers without their knowledge nor consent.”

Pastor arrested for allegedly defiling 13-yr-old member inside the church office

The police in Lagos have arrested Prophet Temidayo Afolabi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Kings of Kings parish, Ipaja, for allegedly raping his 13-year old member inside his office within the Church premises.

According to reports, on several occasions, the 36-year-old lured the girl into his office and defiled her, while warning her against telling anyone. The act came to an end when the girl’s elder sister caught them in the act and informed their mother.

Upon interrogation, the victim opened up and the matter was reported to the police who promptly arrested Mr. Afolabi. The suspect was said to have offered the family an accommodation within the church after their dad’s demise.

However, he allegedly used the opportunity to take advantage of the girl and always used his office to avoid being caught by his wife. 

The cleric has been transferred to the Gender Section of the Police Command where he allegedly admitted to sleeping with the girl five times.

Reps Set To Deliberate On Challenges Of Out-Of-School Children

The House of Representatives has set aside March 12 to extensively debate on the challenges associated with out-of-school children in the country.

They made the decision during plenary on Wednesday, adding that no other matter is expected to be debated on that day.

According to the reps, this is part of the legislative agenda of the House, to pay more attention to the education sector.

Late last year, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, had lamented that Nigeria has the world’s highest figure of out-of-school children – a record which he says is not enviable.

“The majority of these out-of-school children are in the northern part of Nigeria. And this is the highest in the world. It is not an enviable position,” he said.

He also noted that the government is making efforts to ensure that all out-of-school children return to school, stressing that git is not a privilege but a right that the government owes them.

“These out-of-school children are our responsibility. We owe them, because it is not a privilege, it is their right to be in school. We shouldn’t allow them to continue to stray in the street.

“Whether we call them Almajiri or not, these are the leaders of tomorrow and there is going to be a widening gap if such people are left uneducated. They will also contribute security challenge to us if they have not already,” Lawan said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with Google global services to educate 56 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Also, as part of efforts to consolidate the free and compulsory primary and secondary school education policy, the Kano State Government has banned street begging by Almajiri children in the state.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje gave the order on Tuesday, February 25, during the launch of the Basic Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and the Distribution of Offer of Appointment to 7,500 volunteer teachers, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

He also stressed that parents or guardians of children still found out-of-school, would be taken to court.

Kano Bans Almajiris from the street

Gov. #Ganduje has announced a ban on street begging by #Almajiris in #KanoState.

In a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Abba Anwar, said the effort was to fully consolidate the free and compulsory primary and secondary schools education in the state.

The decision was meant to integrate the Almajiri system into the policy and address the lingering problem of street begging.

The governor warned that henceforth, Almajiri teachers must accept the new approach put in place by the state government.

“If almijiri teacher thinks he cannot accept the new policy he has to leave the state,” .

When Almajiri are caught begging, it is not only that beggar is caught, but his parents or guardians. Such parents or guardians would be taken to court to face the wrath of the law,” he added.

Chiwetalu Agu denies being sick and begging for financial assistance

Chiwetalu Agu says he is not sick and begging for financial assistance from anyone.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has come out to deny the news spreading around town that he is sick and begging for financial assistance.

The movie star took to his Instagram page on Saturday, February 22, 2020, where he denied the rumours. According to him, everyone should disregard all any posts on Facebook spreading the rumours of him being sick.

"Good morning my people ❤️ Please disregard any foolish post on Facebook by anybody saying I am SICK and SOLICITING for MONEY, I'm in a perfectly good health condition, I will never ask anybody for A DIME neither am I on FACEBOOK. Signed Chief Chiwetalu Agu," he wrote.

Residents flee Adamawa town as Boko Haram threatens fresh attacks

Residents of Garkida town in the Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State were on Sunday fleeing the area, following a fresh threat by the Boko Haram insurgents to attack the town.

A resident of Garkida, in an interview with  the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, monitored in Kaduna on Sunday, said the insurgents had threatened to launch another attack on the town.

Also residents, in separate interviews on Sunday, recounted their ordeals when the insurgents attacked the community on Friday.

They lamented that the military did not come to their rescue.

For six hours on Friday night, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Garkida, which is located on the Gombi-Biu-Damaturu road.

During the attack, the insurgents burnt down a police barracks, a police station,  two churches; the Living Faith Church and the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

The resident, who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service, said many residents had fled the community on foot, noting that even with money, there was no vehicle plying the area.

The source said, “Many have fled on foot. Even if you have the money, there are no vehicles because of the high number of people on the run now.  Everybody is scared because the Boko Haram sent a new message that they are coming back.”

Police  seek hunters’ assistance.

EPL: Ighalo misses goal as Manchester United thrash Watford 3-0

Manchester United thrashed Watford 3-0 on Sunday in the English Premier League encounter.

Ex-Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, missed an opportunity to score his first goal in his new club.

Though he successfully dribbled the goalkeeper, his shot was deflected by a Watford defender.

Details later…

Atiku condemns Boko Haram attack on Adamawa

Atiku says Boko Haram against lives and properties of innocent Nigerians is unbecoming.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has condemned the latest Boko Haram attack on his home state, Adamawa.

Boko Haram terrorists invaded Garkida, a town in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Friday, February 21, 2020.

Using his Twitter account, Atiku decried the terrorists' attack on the state.

The 2019 Peoples Democratic Party candidate also condoled with the affected families in Garkida.

Speaker Gbajabiamila bags traditional title in Kebbi

The Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammadu Abdullahi, has honoured the Speaker, House of Representative, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila with the traditional title of  Sadaukin Yauri.

The title which means the ‘Warrior of Yauri’, was conferred on the Speaker on Saturday when he paid a courtesy visit to the emir.

Gbajabiamila was in Kebbi for the annual regatta and cultural festival in the emirate.

Abdullahi said the title was to appreciate the Speaker for his love and support to the people of the state.

“This is a great day for us as the people of Yauri, and because of the love you have shown us, my emirate has conferred on you the prestigious title of Sadaukin Yauri, which is translated as warrior of Yauri,’’ he said.

In his acceptance speech, Gbajabiamila, described the honour given to him as a form of cultural exchange and showed Nigeria’s diversity.

“I came here because of the love and support the people of the state have been giving to me.

“The Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has been my good friend and brother for a long time,’’ the Speaker said.

In a vote of thanks, Senate Leader, Yahyah Abdullahi promised that the National Assembly would mobilise resources to ensure the completion of the Koko-Yauri federal road.

The festival was attended by the Emirs of Gwandu, Argungu, Zuru and Kotogora, as well as Gov. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Other in attendance were members of the House of Representatives and state government functionaries

Mob Action: Angry youths kill one, burn police vehicle in Jigawa

Police have confirmed the killing of one person while four others have been injured in a clash involving police and a mob in Malam Madori local Government of Jigawa state

Police spokesman Sp Abdu Jinjiri confirmed the incident in Dutse.

He explained that the incident happened when two police officers in a patrol vehicle knocked down a girl on her way home from school while on a hot chase of a vehicle.

He said the incident resulted in commotion and irate youth became violent, killing one person and injuring four passengers travelling in the suspected vehicle.

Jijiri added that the irate youth also burned down both the patrol vehicle and the suspected commercial vehicle.

Police Public Relations officer added that two officers have been arrested and are detained for investigation, while the four others that were injured are receiving treatment at the Hadejia general hospital.

Eyewitness also confirmed the incident to newsmen stressing that two schoolgirls were knocked down by the police patrol vehicle after a commercial driver tried to escape police search.

I’m not afraid of prison – South Africa’s ex-president, Jacob Zuma

South Africa’s graft-accused former president Jacob Zuma returned home on Saturday after a month-long trip to Cuba for medical treatment and declared he was not afraid of prison.

Zuma, 77, was slapped with an arrest warrant earlier this month after his lawyers claimed he was too ill to travel back to South Africa for a pre-trial hearing on corruption charges.

A high court issued the warrant after it questioned the authenticity of his sick note, but said it would not be executed until the case is set to resume on May 6.

A crowd of people gathered at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo international airport to welcome Zuma, the former ANC leader who ruled South Africa from 2009 to 2018.

Zuma is alleged to have taken bribes of  four million rand (about $267,000) related to a $3.4 billion arms deal in 1999 when he was deputy president.

In all, he faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering related to the purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military equipment.

The arrest warrant was just the latest twist in a case that has seen many legal turns over the past decade and a half.

Thai multi-millionaire Chatri Sityodtong offers bullied 9-year-old boy with dwarfism an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore

Thai multi-millionaire owner, Chatri Sityodtong has offered Quaden Bayles, the 9-year-old boy with dwarfism an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore after he was bullied. 

Three days ago, Bayles's mother shared an emotional video of her son, who was born with Achondroplasia, a form of Dwarfism crying and saying he wanted to die after being bullied at school.

Now, Martial arts champion and ONE Championship founder, Chatri Sityodtong has offered to fly Quaden and his family on an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore.  

He also praised Quaden's strength and said he would want him to be taught martial arts at his martial arts school called Evolve Mix Martial Arts.

'I just want to let you know you have a friend out here in Asia and I know you're going through incredible suffering and pain. I can't imagine what you're going through,' Sityodtong said. 

'But I want you to know that God gives the toughest battles to his bravest and strongest soldiers and for sure you're one of them. And I want you to know that your pain and suffering today is going to be your strength tomorrow. 

'One day you're going to rise above and have the strength, compassion, and empathy because everything you've gone through to help others. I really believe it.' 

He then extended an offer to Quaden and his family to learn martial arts in his 'bully-proof' school.  

'I would also like to extend to you and your family an all-expenses paid trip to Singapore.

'I own a wonderful martial arts school called Evolve Mix Martial Arts. It has an incredible children's program that bully-proofs kids. If you have time this summer I'd love to invite you and your family as my personal guests to Singapore.'

At the end of the video, Sityodtong urged parents and children to put a stop to bullying. 

'To the parents and children out there, lets stop this bullying. Lets be kind to one another. The world needs it now more than ever.'

FAYOSE DISCREDIT NEWS OF DUMPING PDP

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose says he is not contemplating dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for another party.

Mr Lere Olayinka, his Media Aide, said this in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Friday.

Olayinka, explained that the claim in some quartres that Fayose had concluded arrangements to embrace the All Progressives Congress (APC), was false.

“Someone of the status and pedigree of Fayose can never join APC,” he said.

He said, a statement purportedly made by the state chapter of APC to the effect that the ex-governor was not qualified to join the party, was therefore unthinkable and mischievous.

“It is funny that APC lied about him coming to join the party and also went further to react to its own lies,” he said.

He admonished the party to focus its attention on how to lift the state to economic greatness and stop further job losses.

NAN

King of #Iwo suspended

Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on Friday suspended #Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi for six months.

They said his suspension was not in connection with the alleged assault on the Agbowu of Ogbaagba, Oba Dhikirulahi Akinropo, but over what they termed Oluwo’s indecent acts to some monarchs, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alake of Egbaland and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting which lasted for about three hours, the Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Wahab Adedotun said: “Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi has been suspended for six months.”

Nollywood actor Frank Dallas is dead

Veteran Nollywood actor and film maker, Frank Dallas Ebulukwu is dead.

The death has been announced of veteran Nollywood actor cum producer, Frank Dallas Ebulukwu.

His death was announced on the official page of the Actors Guild Of Nigeria on Thursday, February 20, 2020. According to its Public Relations Officer, Monalisa Chinda, the body has declared 3 days of national mourning and prayers across all State Chapters including FCT Abuja.

"With a heart full of sorrow, we announce the sudden death of the immediate past National PRO of GNU, Frank Dallas Ebulukwu. The National President of AGN, Ejezie Emeka Rollas has declared 3 days of national mourning and prayers across all State Chapters including FCT Abuja.

"In view of this, all official activities of the Guild at all levels are hereby cancelled for three days. State Chapter Chairmen are instructed to open condolence register in his honour from Monday, 24/02/2020.

Monthly meeting for February is dedicated to mourning and prayers. We shall be guided accordingly while we await further directives and burial arrangements from the family. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Monalisa Chinda Coker, National PRO," she wrote.

Frank Dallas started his acting career in the 1990s. He first featured in the 1994 movie 'Black Maria.' He later went on to feature in numerous movies including 'Agony Of A Mother,' 'A Night To Remember,' 'Emotional Pain' and a host of others.

#nollywood #naija #lagos #abuja #kaduna #veteran #peteredochie teredochie

Okada/Keke ban: Taskforce nabs 2 fake uniformed operatives

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has nabbed two suspects for impersonating Security Officers at Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that while one of the suspects (Monday Job) impersonated a Police Officer using his commercial motorcycle to scout for passengers on restricted routes, the second (Rasak Oloyede) presented himself as an Army Officer using his commercial bus for fraudulent acts along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

Egbeyemi stated that after their arrest, the two suspects confessed to the crime, saying that they indulged in the act in order not to be accosted by genuine security officers on monitoring duties.

According to him, “Our intelligent reports revealed that some dubious-minded motorcyclists are now using fake Nigerian Army/Police uniform to scout for passengers on restricted routes as well as indulging in various forms of fraudulent acts across the State”.

He reiterated the directive of the state government which stipulates that all security personnel on an official assignment with motorcycles must be fully kitted in uniform, with their identity card conspicuously displayed.

The Chairman also reiterated that motorcycle operators must desist from plying all 475 restricted routes, adding that they must also wear their crash helmets and must possess riders’ permit for proper identification of the park they belong while plying other routes.

While urging members of the public to be vigilant and desist from patronising motorcyclists and commercial bus drivers wearing a fake security uniform, the Chairman disclosed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has directed that both suspects be charged to court for prosecution.

In his statement, one of the suspects (Monday Job) who hails from Akwa-Ibom State, confessed that he bought the uniform from a Police Officer who was deployed from Lagos to the northern part of the country for N7000, adding that he has since been using the uniform to carry out an illegal arrest and extortion of money from both motorists and motorcyclists plying restricted routes along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

“I was hawking before I joined Okada business over a year ago and I have been wearing this Police uniform to arrest and defraud Okada riders and making at least N30,000 to N35,000 daily”, he added.

The second suspect (Rasak Oloyede), who impersonated a Sergeant in the Nigerian Army, said he has been using the uniform he got from a dismissed Army officer to escape checkpoints on roads by Traffic Officers.

He also claimed to be using the uniform to extort money from motorists and making a daily average collection of N25,000 to N40,000 whenever his Volkswagen commercial bus, with the registration number BDG149 XK, had mechanical faults.

NCC, NIPOST to verify mobile line owners’ addresses

The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Postal Service are to collaborate in verifying the addresses of SIM card owners in the country.

The two agencies also agreed to work out a Memorandum of Understanding on ways to facilitate financial inclusion in the country.

The managements of the two establishments met at the NCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, where it was also agreed that the commission and the postal service would collaborate on driving the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda.

The NCC and NIPOST will also partner on Internet access for people in rural areas and provision of e-governance services in all the local government councils in the country.

A committee was set up to work out details of the MoU.

Speaking at the meeting, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Mr Adebayo Adelusi, said the postal service was going through a difficult phase at the moment.

Adelusi said NIPOST needed to partner with NCC to leverage available opportunities.

He disclosed that issues surrounding the collection of stamp duty, which had become a bone of contention between NIPOST and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, had not been resolved.

Adelusi observed that his predecessor fought very hard to ensure that NIPOST retained the right to collect the revenue for the Federal Government.

The Postmaster General noted that NIPOST had what it takes to provide banking services for Nigerians.

He said, “We want to tap and leverage on our properties across the country to provide services for the people in the rural areas.”

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said NIPOST was strategically positioned to work with the commission to deepen access to internet services in the rural areas.

Ekiti to translate Amotekun law to Yoruba

Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, said on Wednesday that the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had approved the translation of laws in Ekiti State into Yoruba Language.

Fapohunda said the laws to be translated included the bill for the establishment of Amotekun Corps and Ekiti State Security Network Agency which was passed into law on Friday by the state House of Assembly and at present awaiting the assent of the governor.

The AG, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, said, “Ekiti State Security Network Agency Bill affects the daily lives of the people of Ekiti State, especially those in our rural communities. It, therefore, follows that this is one legislation that all of our people need to understand.

“In furtherance of the commitment of the Fayemi administration to its citizens’ active participation in governance, Mr Governor has approved the translation of laws of Ekiti State into Yoruba Language.

“Given the volumes of the laws of Ekiti State, the translation will be implemented in phases. The first phase will include laws that have a direct impact on the daily reality of our people,” he said.

According to Fapohunda, some of the laws that will be translated immediately will include Sustainable Development Goals Law, Ekiti State, 2019; Ekiti State Property Protection (Anti- Land Grabbing) Law 2019; Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019, and Ekiti State (Transition) Law, 2019.

On how the laws will be translated, the AG said, “There are many qualified academics in the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti who are specialised in Yoruba Language. We will work with them.”

Fapohunda also stated that some of the policy documents of the Ministry of Justice like the Ekiti State Charter for Victims of Crime; Directive on Non-discontinuance of Criminal Matters, Additional Measures in aid of Prosecution of Sexual Violence would also be translated into the Yoruba Language.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, Ekiti State, Lawrence Ojo, while commenting on the development, said, “Ekiti State Ministry of Justice will be recording another first in Nigeria”.

Ojo said there had been talks over the years, especially in lawyers’ conferences and meetings, on the need to translate laws into local Nigerian languages, but little progress had been made, adding, “With Ekiti State breaking the ice, it is envisaged that more states will follow.”

Federation Account: FG, States, LGs Share N647.35bn For January

The Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils have shared a total of N647.353 billion from the Federation Account Revenue for January 2020.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.

According to Mrs Ogubike, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), in a meeting chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mahmoud Isa-Dutse disbursed the funds to the three tiers of government.

FAAC confirmed that for the month of January 2020, there was a significant increase in Import Duty revenue while Companies Income Tax(CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT),  Oil and Gas Royalties and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) recorded decreases.

It stated that from the total revenue of N647.353 billion, the Federal Government received N267.389 billion, the State Governments received N176.923 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N132.944 billion.

The statement read in part that the “N647.353 billion comprised Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain, Non-Oil Revenue and Excess Bank Charges recovered.”

It added that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at February 19, 2020, was $71.814 million.

Oil Producing States received N46.197 billion as 13% derivation revenue and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N23.900 billion as cost of revenue collection.

The statement gave a breakdown of the distribution from the gross statutory revenue of N525.253 billion; the Federal Government received N243.704 billion, the State Governments received N123.610 billion and the Local Government Councils received N95.298 billion.

Also, the Oil Producing States received N46.074 billion as 13% derivation revenue and the Revenue Collecting Agencies received N16.567 billion as cost of collection.

“From the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N104.758, the Federal Government received N14.614 billion, the State Governments received N48.713 billion, the Local Government Councils received N34.099 billion and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N7.333 billion as cost of revenue collection.”

Meanwhile, from the Exchange Gain revenue of N1.044 billion, “the Federal Government received N0.485 billion, the State Governments received N0.246 billion, and the Local Government Councils got N 0.190 billion and the oil-producing States got N0.123 billion as 13% derivation revenue.”

Non-Oil revenue of N16.298 billion, the Federal Government got N8.586 billion, the State Governments got N4.355 billion, the Local Government Councils got N3.357 billion.

2020 BATCH 'A' ORIENTATION COURSE COMMENCES MARCH 10

Arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of 2020 Batch 'A' Orientation Course scheduled to hold between Tuesday 10th March and Monday 30th March 2020.

The Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim disclosed this today in his address at the Opening Ceremony of 2020 Batch 'A' Pre-Orientation Meeting which had Area Coordinators, State Coordinators, Camp Directors, Camp Commandants designate and other Collaborating Agencies in attendance.

He said the Orientation Course, which is one of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC is the first point of Corps Members' contact with the scheme, hence, the need for a memorable Orientation Course that would play a vital role in the overall success of the service year.

Ibrahim, who said Management places high premium on the security and welfare of Corps Members added that there was the need to continually strategize and effectively liaise with  all security agencies, NYSC State Governing Boards, NYSC Local Government Committees and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of all Corps Members before, during and  after the Orientation Course.

The DG commended some State Governments who had commenced work on the renovation of camp facilities but added that there is the need for increased focus on the upgrade and expansion of the camps so as to make them fit for the increasing rate of Corps population.

Ibrahim appealed for teamwork and diligence from the participants as they evaluate the previous Orientation Course, brainstorm and evolve new strategies for the success of the forthcoming Orientation Course.

"I enjoin you to identify individuals and corporate organisations that can be approached for help in the development of the Orientation Camps".

"Management will continue to sensitize State Governments on the need to upgrade the carrying capacity of all the Orientation Camps to 5,000".

"Management places high premium on the health and general welfare of Corps Members. Therefore, it behoves on all of us to ensure that issues of Corps Welfare are given priority attention at all times", the DG said 

Speaking further, he said the NYSC Scheme has trained over 1.4 million Corps Members through its in-camp and post-camp training on Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

General lbrahim also reiterated the scheme's commitment to prevent unqualified graduates from participating in National Service.

Visa ban: US gives Nigeria conditions for review of policy

The United States (US) government has given Nigerian government conditions under which the recent visa policy, affecting six countries, Nigeria inclusive, could be reviewed.

Mrs Mary-Beth Leonard, the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, gave the conditions during a familiarisation visit to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Leonard said that the policy will be reviewed once Nigeria improves her data intelligence, such that it would be easy to investigate any immigrant wishing to visit her country and meet information sharing systems, the ban might likely be reviewed.

It would be recalled that the U.S recently announced that it is expanding its curbs on immigration to include six more countries, including Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

This development means that citizens from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar will now be blocked from obtaining certain types of visas.

“I think I need to clarify something for you here, the immigrant visa ban does not affect people who are currently resident in the United States. It does not cancel the status of anyone currently in the United States.

“What Mike Pompeo, U.S Secretary of States, said was something that was meant to be temporary. And it is about problems with information sharing which are investigable, achievable and resolvable.

“We look forward to Nigeria in a very short while being able to meet those information sharing goal so that the decision can be reviewed.

“Also, students visas are not affected by the current visa ban,” according to her.

On diversification policy, Leonard said there was need for skill set of Nigerians to be effectively harnessed and internationalised, such that they would not be seen as illegal immigrants when they go abroad to work.

She added “I think for Nigeria, you have interesting story about diversification of your economy and prosperity of your economy and its people. You know Nigerians are so well known at home and abroad for their industriousness.”

She however called on the Nigerian government to capture the entrepreneurial spirit in the informal sector by bringing on board into the formal sector service to enhance employment in the country.

The minister however said that the immigrant visa ban by the U.S was impunity.

Ngige noted that Nigeria has over 70 per cent of Nigerian professionals who migrated to the U.S for the betterment of their skills.

“This includes the medical doctors, engineers, ICT, among others, who are resident in the U.S and when the U.S government gave the ban it came to us as a rude shock that their legal status would be cancelled.

“I will want to say that Nigerian professionals over there are highly qualified to have their visa status residence over there,” he said.

Ngige however called on the U.S government to assist Nigeria to build schools in the areas where child labour is an endemic in the country.

“We have done a total of 14,000 labour inspection out of which we detected about 3,900 child labour defaulters and we have empowered them economically and encouraged them to go to school or learn skills,” he added.

BREAKING: Lassa fever spreads to Lagos

Lagos has recorded a case of Lassa fever currently raging in 19 other states in the country. Announcing the development on Wednesday morning, the State Commissioner for Health Prof, Akin Abayomi confirmed that the patient is currently in isolation at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

Abayomi who assured that the situation is under control called for calm among the residents said there was no cause for panic as the State government in active collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, is doing everything possible to control the spread of the disease in Lagos State.

Amaechi's Chief Security Officer is dead

Iwelu was electrocuted in the shower, reports say.

Tony Iwelu, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is dead.

Iwelu was electrocuted by a shower rose in his hotel room in Kaduna on February 17, 2020, at about 10:30am, an aide of the minister told Daily Trust.

Premium Times has also reported his passing.

The late Iwelu traveled with the minister to Kaduna to felicitate with Governor Nasir El-rufai on his 60th birthday.

The minister is yet to officially comment on his aides passing, however.