President Muhammadu Buhari has visited the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital hours after a terrorist attack on the prison facility.
 
SaharaReporters earlier reported that terrorists suspected to be members of Jamar Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladi Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru attacked the facility on Tuesday night and freed inmates, including their members and Boko Haram terrorists held in custody during the attack.

Though the Nigeria Correction Service’s spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, said one Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer and four inmates died during the incident, a source told SaharaReporters that 10 inmates were killed during the incident.
 
Another source also dismissed the claim by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, that 64 Boko Haram members escaped, adding that over 201 members of the group were currently unaccounted for.
 

PHOTONEWS: Buhari Visits Kuje Prison After Terrorist Attack, Release Of Boko Haram Fighters, Many Other Inmates https://t.co/ovZe4PoPyZ pic.twitter.com/nlIVLehVmX

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 6, 2022
“A total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the unfortunate attack. As of the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, 443 inmates are still at large, 4 inmates are dead and 16 inmates sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at the moment. However, efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates,” NCS spokesperson had said.
 
“The Service will deploy its Corrections Information Management System in synergy with National Identity Management Commission to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody.”
 
The President who visited the scene of the attack is expected to depart for Dakar, Senegal, later today.
 
He has been junketing across the world in the last few months without providing solutions to the insecurity ravaging all parts of the country.
 
Terrorists had in the last 24 hours attacked his convoy in Katsina.

Also, two police officers were killed in the same Katsina, his home state, where the attack on the president’s convoy took place.
 
A senior police officer was also killed in a separate state.
 
The killing of the police officers adds to the over 40 security personnel killed by non-state actors last week in the country.

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Kuje Prison

The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council (OYC) has alleged that there was a conspiracy involved in the terrorist attack on Kuje Medium Prison in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city.

The group alleged that Buhari’s government must be complicit in the terrorist attack considering how the gunmen unleashed terror on the facility for long without being challenged by security agents.

Kuje Prison Premium Times

SaharaReporters earlier reported how terrorists on Tuesday night attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre where the disgraced 'supercop', Abba Kyari was kept, among other high-profile inmates were held.

It was learnt that 10 inmates and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed while hundreds of inmates were including all the 64 Boko Haram members held in the prison.

Reacting to the incident, the Ohanaeze Youth Council in a statement by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and the Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, expressed shock over how the terrorists operated the country’s capital city for hours without being challenged by security agents.
 
The group described the attack as a clear indication that bandits have taken control of Nigeria and a “clear case of conspiracy,” adding that “heads must have to roll”.

“There should be a panel of enquiries into the recent security breaches in the country,” the group said.

It further lamented the laxity in Nigeria’s security system that allowed terrorists to launch such a “daring attack in the Federal Capital Territory for several hours unchallenged”.
 
“Failure of the Federal Government to take decisive action would mean it is complicit. It will leave the citizens with no doubt that the government has handed the country over to jihadists and terrorists.”
 
“Foul play cannot be ruled out into what happened in Kuje prison and this is why we are calling for an independent enquiry,” it added.

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The Presidency has said that the incessant attacks by terrorists across Nigeria will not stop President Muhammadu Buhari from travelling abroad.
This was stated by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Wednesday while responding to questions about why Buhari did not cancel his latest trip to Dakar, Senegal.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that President Buhari would depart Abuja Wednesday (today) to participate in the International Development Association (IDA) for Africa Summit in Dakar, Senegal.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, an institution of the World Bank Group, IDA is deepening its support to drive a resilient recovery for countries hit by the global crises of climate and COVID-19, growing levels of insecurity and more recently, by the impact of the war in Ukraine through its historic $93 billion 20th replenishment cycle (IDA20) which goes into effect between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025. See Also Sahara Reporters Junketing Nigerian President,‪ Buhari‬ Jets To Senegal Amid Attacks On Convoy, Kuje Prison, Others 0 Comments 6 Days Ago
“At the High Level event slated for Thursday, July 7 and hosted by President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal, President Buhari is expected to join other African leaders in an open Dialogue on Development Challenges and priorities as well as transformational initiatives that will lead to an outcome document, the Dakar Declaration,” the statement had read in part.
The Nigerian President has been junketing worldwide in the last few months.
Buhari’s latest trip comes less than 24 hours after terrorists attacked his convoy in Katsina State and the Kuje prison facility in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Also, two police officers were killed in the same Katsina, his home state, where the attack on the president’s convoy took place.
A senior police officer was also killed in a separate state.
The killing of the police officers comes after over 40 security personnel were killed by non-state actors last week.
Responding to a question related to why the President was travelling overseas amid the worsening state of insecurity in the country, Adesina, who was at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said: “The President should go (to Senegal) because there’s an international conference meant for heads of states and presidents; he should attend. You should never give in to terrorists. The moment terrorists begin to stop you from doing things, then we might as well throw up our hands in surrender. The President should go ahead. Yes, it’s an international obligation.”

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Shahid Jibril Usman Sarki, a member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has been identified as one of the inmates killed during a gun battle between security operatives and members of Ansaru terrorist group who attacked Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
 
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that about 10 inmates and an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed during Tuesday’s attack on the facility.

The terrorists used explosives to forcibly gain control of all entry and exit points of the facility and released over 855 inmates, including their members.
 
“About 10 of the inmates were killed during the attack, a Civil Defence official was also confirmed dead.
  See Also Sahara Reporters Kuje Prison Officials Evacuate Six Dead Bodies From Scene of Terrorists' Attack In Abuja 0 Comments 6 Days Ago
“Some of the inmates sustained injuries as well, everywhere is calm now,” a prison official had told SaharaReporters.
 
A source in the IMN, who are Shiites, on Wednesday confirmed the death of Sarki, a member of the Islamic group to SaharaReporters.
  See Also Sahara Reporters All Boko Haram Suspects In Kuje Prison Have Escaped; 64 Inmates In Total – Nigeria’s Defence Minister 0 Comments 6 Days Ago
The source added that all IMN members remanded in the prison refused to escape like others.
 
“While several other inmates fled after the attack. Our brothers and sisters of Sayyid Zakzaky group the IMN (H) did not run away with the opportunity they had,” he said.
 
“This proves to the public that they are brothers of law and order and they are following their rights on the ground, not like the enemies are spreading.”
 
The deceased was remanded in prison by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo in November 2019.
 
The judge, Sulaiman Belgore had ordered that he and 60 other members of the Islamic sect be remanded in correctional centres in Kuje, Abuja and Suleja in Niger State.
 
Sarki and others were arrested during the July 22, 2019 protest at the Federal Secretariat area of Abuja where a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar and Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with Channels Television were killed.
 
They were arraigned before the court on November 27 by the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
 
They were arraigned on charges of homicide, disturbances of public peace and destruction of government property.

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Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing the most significant challenge to his premiership as eight members of his government have resigned over revelations that he lied over the appointment of MP Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip.

The Prime Minister was accused of ignoring concerns about the personal behaviour of Chris Pincher, who went on to take multiple government positions.

Boris Johnson

It was reported that Pincher resigned as Deputy Chief Whip after allegedly assaulting two men while drunk at London’s Carlton Club.

The outrage about the story prompted multiple cabinet resignations, the most recent of which was that of Will Quince, who resigned as children and families minister.

Pincher was the subject of credible claims of sexual misconduct, which have since been upheld, when Johnson put him forward for the role.

The PM then denied any knowledge of the case, before being publically disproven by Crossbench Peer, Lord Simon McDonald.

On Tuesday, Johnson was struck with the bombshell resignations of former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who were two key roles in his government and long-standing political allies.

Although there is no expectation that Johnson will resign of his own accord, he could be forced out by a parliamentary mechanism that would allow his party members to remove him. Johnson narrowly survived a formal vote of no confidence last month which, under current rules, should protect him for 12 months.

But there are numerous reports that members of the influential Conservative Party 1922 Committee are planning to meet Wednesday (today) to change the rules to allow another vote of no confidence to be triggered.

If they were to do so, Johnson is likely to jump before he is formally removed.

 

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The prison officials have evacuated about six bodies of those who died in the attack on the Kuje Correctional Services Centre by dare-devil terrorists in Abuja.

SaharaReporters at the scene of the attack counted six bodies that were dumped on the floor of the premises of the building and covered with blankets.

Also, some of the bodies were also sighted at the security post of the facility including that of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer.

The bodies were seen being loaded inside a blue Hilux parked inside the building but journalists were prevented from filming them.

WATCH: Aftermath Of Terrorists Attack On Kuje Prison Where Hundreds Of Boko Haram Members Were Freed In Nigeria’s Capital, Abuja pic.twitter.com/zWzMfDjVdP

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 6, 2022
Though the identities of those who lost their lives in the attack could not be ascertained as of the time of filling this report, seven vehicles were burnt by the attackers.

EXCLUSIVE: How Ansaru Terrorists Attacked Kuje Prison, Freed Over 500 Boko Haram Members, Herdsmen In Nigerian Capital | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/DKH9fBWvYy pic.twitter.com/744O3X8vNR

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 6, 2022
Some of the bullets shells used by the attackers were also recovered at the scene of attack.

EXCLUSIVE: How Ansaru Terrorists Attacked Kuje Prison, Freed Over 500 Boko Haram Members, Herdsmen In Nigerian Capital | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/DKH9fBWvYy pic.twitter.com/744O3X8vNR

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 6, 2022
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello who visited the scene a while ago assured the residents that the fleeing inmates would be recaptured with the cooperation of the communities.

He urged the residents in the area to cooperate with the security agents in gathering of intelligence.

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The apex body of Yoruba self-determination and self-preservation struggle, the Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide (IOO) is set to file a fresh suit challenging the making and validity of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

The group, which affirmed that the suit would be re-filed in the next two weeks, said the decision to withdraw the suit from the court where it was and to re-file was in line with the new Practice Direction since the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice resides in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by Maxwell Adeleye, the Communications Manager to the Leader of the agitators, Prof Banji Akintoye, adding that the Ilana Omo Oodua counsel and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria advised that as ruled by the judge in Ekiti State, what the Plaintiffs in Ekiti and Osun states are praying for are matters that affect the whole Nigerian Federation.

The statement reads; “The Lead Counsel representing us in the case, Mr Tolu Babaleye, has advised that the Plaintiffs should withdraw the suits in order to consolidate the matter and refile it at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court because the major prayer which is the invalidation of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria can only be heard at the Abuja Division in line with the Ruling of Ado-Ekiti division of the Court on appropriate forum.

“Aftermath the Ruling on the Matter in Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court, Our Counsel and other Senior Advocates advised that as ruled by the Judge in Ekiti, what the Plaintiffs in Ekiti and Osun States are praying for are matters that affect the whole Nigerian Federation.

“The Plaintiffs want the 1999 constitution invalidated because its making is against the spirit of natural justice and fairness and the Judge in Federal High Court in Ekiti State ruled that the appropriate place to institute the matter is the Abuja Division, and not in Ekiti.

“Though we have our reservations, we do not want to waste our time on technicalities. We are withdrawing the suit in Osogbo, the Plaintiffs in Osogbo will join the Plaintiffs in Ado-Ekiti, with fresh Plaintiffs who are indigenes of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and the Ondo States to institute the case afresh in the Abuja Division of Federal High Court.

“Our Legal Team is of the opinion that this is the best way to go and they are confident that the outcome of the suit will make the Yoruba People and all lovers of Justice, Fairness and Self-Determination worldwide rejoice. As far as we are concerned, it is a no retreat, no surrender,” the statement said.

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Terrorists, locally known as bandits, have taken over the Namoda Shinkafi road in Zamfara State.

SaharaReporters learnt that the bandits are currently blocking the highway around Dunwawa community.

Many people were reportedly feared abducted by the gunmen who were said to be attacking the travellers and villagers.

This is coming a few hours after bandits attacked Jangebe, in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

SaharaReporters gathered that the heavily armed bandits invaded the village on Tuesday evening, shooting indiscriminately.

Deadly attacks have raged across Zamfara State where bandits have thrived.

Agrarian communities in the state have long been terrorised by gangs who raid villages, steal cattle and kidnap residents for ransom.

In 2019, the state government signed a peace agreement with the gunmen.

About 15 brand new Hilux vehicles and cash gifts were also given to leaders of different “repentant” gangs of bandits by the governor in 2020.

But despite these, communities in the state are still being attacked and residents kidnapped and killed.

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President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja this Wednesday, July 6, to participate in the International Development Association (IDA) for Africa Summit in Dakar, Senegal.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, an institution of the World Bank Group, IDA is deepening its support to drive a resilient recovery for countries hit by the global crises of climate and COVID-19, growing levels of insecurity and more recently, by the impact of the war in Ukraine through its historic $93 billion 20th replenishment cycle (IDA20) which goes into effect between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2025.

“At the High Level event slated for Thursday, July 7 and hosted by President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal, President Buhari is expected to join other African leaders in an open Dialogue on Development Challenges and priorities as well as transformational initiatives that will lead to an outcome document, the Dakar Declaration,” the statement read.
“This commitment is expected to chart the way forward for the transformation of the economies of these nations in partnership with the World Bank/IDA.
“Topics slated for discussion include: Financing for Recovery and Economic Transformation in Africa; Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security; Human Capital; Digital and Technological Innovation; and Energy Transition and Climate Change.
“The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; as well as Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo.
“Others on the entourage are:  the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; Director- General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar; Director-General, Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha; and the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan. President Buhari is expected back in the country at the end of the Summit on Thursday, July 7.”
The Nigerian President has been junketing across the world in the last three months.
Buhari’s latest trip is coming less than 24 hours after terrorists attacked his convoy in Katsina State and the Kuje prison facility in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Also, two police officers were killed in the same Katsina State where the attack on the president’s convoy took place.
Another senior police officer was also killed in a separate state.
The killing of the police officers adds to the over 40 security personnel killed by non-state actors last week in the country.

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Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus have cried out over the suffering, inhuman treatment and racial discrimination they are facing in the country.
The students who are seeking help from the Nigerian government lamented that they are being deported on arrival at the airport for establishing contacts with individuals in Southern Cyprus while they are also being forced to pay their tuition fees in pounds while other foreign students pay in Turkish Lira (TL).

The students made this known through their representatives under the umbrella of Members of the Nigerian Diaspora Youth Ambassador (MNDYA) when they visited the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
The four-man delegation team led by the President of the association, Mr. David Alozie, lamented that Nigerian youths are suffering from intense depression as a result of the inhuman treatment meted to them, giving rise to the high rate of suicide amongst them in Northern Cyprus.
According to Alozie, Nigerian students are forced to pay for tuition in pounds whereas other foreign students pay in Turkish Lira (TL).
He noted that "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not the best place to study, as majority of the institutions there are not recognised by the European Union (EU) or any country in the world."
He therefore told the NiDCOM boss that the purpose of the visit to the commission was to appeal for quick intervention on the plight of Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus, adding that Nigerian students were being racially profiled and deported on arrival at the airport for establishing contact with any individual in Southern Cyprus.
Alozie and his team expressed willingness to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant agencies to create more awareness on challenges Nigerian youths are facing in Northern Cyprus.
Responding to the association's appeal, Dabiri-Erewa said that Northern Cyprus is becoming a dangerous transit route for migrants.
The NiDCOM Chairman noted that the country is not recognised by any country in the world except Turkey.
She pointed out that there is the need for further awareness to sensitise Nigerian youths who are living their country with the hope of better education.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday approved former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha's request to travel to the United Kingdom for “medical attention.”
This was stated by Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo, who ordered the Registrar of the court to release the travelling passport of the former governor to him to undertake the medical trip after a motion application.

The judge also adjourned the trial to November 7.
Okorocha’s application was argued by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ola Olanipekun, notifying the court that his client had been having health challenges in recent times.
The Senior Advocate contended that Okorocha, now a Senator representing Imo North in the Senate, would not abuse the order and would return to the country for his trial.
Although counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chile Okoroma, appealed to the court to decline the request, Justice Ekwo explained that the request would be granted under strict conditions by the court that Okorocha would return the passport to the court registrar not later than three days after his arrival in the country.
The judge held that he would declare Okorocha wanted if he attempted to abuse the favour granted him.
Justice Ekwo subsequently fixed November 7 for his trial in the money laundering criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
SaharaReporters had reported that that the former Imo governor was under trial for alleged money laundering during his time in office.
Others defendants in the suit are; Anyim Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited as 2nd to 7th defendants respectively.

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has called on his counterpart in the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Musa Kwankwaso, to grow above religion and ethnicity.
Obi said this in response to Kwankwaso's earlier remark that the Northern region would not support any candidate from the South-East in 2023.

The LP candidate, in an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, said it was because of comments like Kwankwaso’s that Nigeria had become worse in terms of security, education, and economy.
Obi said, “The comments from my respected elder brother, Kwankwaso, is the reason why we have 100million Nigerians living in poverty; it is the reason why we have 18million Nigerian children out of school. It is the reason why we have over 55 per cent of Nigerians under the unemployment ladder.
“It is the reason why we have all the problems and insecurity in Nigeria because rather than voting competence, we choose to vote for incompetence, based on the primitive concept of ethnicity and religion.
“Tell me, today you can’t travel from Abuja to Kaduna by road, by rail or by air. Is it because someone from South-East is in charge? You can’t travel from Abuja to Minna. Is it because someone from South-East is in charge? Yesterday, we had an attack on the presidential convoy in Katsina; is it because of tribalism?
“Show me where you can buy food cheaper because you are from South-East, South-West or Northern Nigeria. What we have chosen to do in this country is to consistently hire vehicle drivers to fly the Nigerian aeroplane. My commitment is; let us campaign and deal with the issues of the problems of the country.
“Our universities are closed and we are talking about tribalism. I don’t want people to vote for me because I am Igbo, from South-East; but vote for me because I am a Nigerian willing to save this country.
“Kwankwaso said I have the knowledge of the problem of the country which is economy but yet wants me to be a vice president: but why can’t I be the presidential candidate to implement the ideas? Let me tell you, I have the knowledge to start pulling Nigerians out of poverty.”

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The Lagos State Government has begun probing the captain of an ill-fated boat marked “R & N 2”, which capsised on Wednesday, in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The boat accident resulted in the death of two passengers while 15 others were rescued.

The General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, told newsmen that the captain was already in custody to explain how the incident occurred.
It was gathered the boat suddenly developed a mechanical fault and submerged on the waterways barely 200 meters away from its take -off point.
The manager further disclosed that the Water guards, as well as the search and rescue team of the LASWA, were mobilized immediately to the incident scene, leading to the rescue of 15 people.
“Two female unconscious passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. They were, however, later confirmed dead at the hospital.
“The boat captain is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities while full investigation into the cause of this mishap is ongoing, to get more details.”

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buhari ministers

President Muhammadu Buhahri has appointed seven new ministers and reshuffled his cabinet.
This was confirmed at the ongoing Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

buhari ministers
Buhari also swore in the seven ministers recently screened and confirmed by the Senate.
The first batch to be sworn in were; Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh – Abia State, Umana Okon Umana – Akwa Ibom State, Odum Odih – Rivers State and Ademola Adegoroye – Ondo State.
The second batch included Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub – Kano State, Goodluck Nnana Opiah – Imo State and Egwumakama Joseph Nkama – Ebonyi State.
Few moments before the swearing in, a minute's silence was observed in honour of Mohammed Barkindo, the 4th Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), who died at the age of 63, Tuesday night.
The portfolios of the new ministers are: Umana Okon Umana, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Gbemisola Saraki - Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development; Dr Olorunimbe Mamora – Minister of Science and Technology; Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs and Muazu Jaji Sambo; Minister of Transportation.
Others were Umar Ibrahim El Yakub; Minister of State, Works and Housing; Goodluck Nanah Opiah; Minister of state, Education; Ekumankama Joseph Nkama; Minister of State, Health; Ikoh Henry Ikechukwu, Minister of State, Science and Technology; Odum Udi, Minister of State, Environment and Ademola Adewole Adegoroye- Minister of State, Transportation.

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At least 150 intending Muslim pilgrims would not perform this year's Hajj, following alleged diversion of their Hajj fare by an official of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, SaharaReporters has learnt.
SaharaReporters further learnt that the stranded victims who are from the Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, paid their Hajj fare in into the personal account of an Area Pilgrims Officer (APO) in Bida.

Sources informed that the stranded pilgrims had resigned to fate, considering that Saudi Arabian authorities might close its airspace anytime soon.
Besides just missing the opportunity to travel for the religious duty, the affected 150 persons are also at risk of losing their money.
One of the victims, a female intending pilgrim who does not want her name mentioned said she paid the money two years ago. But due to COVID-19 restriction, she could not go. 
“We participated in the hajj orientation, not knowing that I paid my money into wrong hands. Since I learnt my money had not reached the board, I took ill due to shock. I'm not the only person, we're many from Bida; several others don't even have any idea that they have been duped", she added.
The Chairman of Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Umar Maku Lapai, confirmed the receipt of several such complaints from stranded pilgrims, who claimed to have paid money into the account of an official.
Lapai, however, said the board could only take responsibility for payments made to its account. Notwithstanding, he said the board had directed the Chairman of Bida Local Government Area to set up a committee to investigate the matter.
"The board could not take any action until the findings of the committee were out. The suspect has been arrested and report of investigation is expected to be released soon,” Lapai said.

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Nigeria’s commercial bank, Fidelity Bank, managing the shares of Kano, Benin, and Kaduna electricity distribution companies (DisCos), has moved to take over the boards of the companies.
The bank is doing this over the companies’ inability to repay loans obtained to pay for assets acquired in the 2013 privatisation exercise.
The bank has written to the Bureau of Public Enterprise, which oversees the government’s 40 percent stake in the DisCos that it had replaced the board members of the affected companies.

The new board members, appointed by Fidelity Bank, for Kano DisCo are Hasan Tukur (Chairman), Nelson Ahaneku (Member), and Rabiu Suleiman (Member).
For Benin DisCo, the board members are KC Akuma (Chairman), Adeola Ijose (Member), and Charles Onwera (Member) while for Kaduna DisCo, the new appointments are Abbas Jega (Chairman), Ameenu Abubakar (Member), and Marlene Ngoyi (Member).
BPE has nominated Bashir Gwandu (Kano), Yomi Adeyemi (Benin), and Umar Abdullahi (Kaduna) as independent Directors to represent the government’s 40 percent interest in the three DisCos respectively, during the transition.
Meanwhile, Hassan Tukur, the newly appointed Kano chairman has a history of graft as he was in 2016 taken to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In May 2016, the EFCC granted administrative bail to Tukur, who was the principal secretary to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Tukur was in detention for days for allegedly diverting at least $35 million he obtained to negotiate the release of more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Islamist insurgents belonging to Boko Haram.
At least 276 female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State were kidnapped on the night of April 14, 2014 by Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. 
Some of the victims have yet to be recovered eight years later. 
SaharaReporters had quoted a source as saying that Tukur was detained and interrogated on charges that included his reported pocketing of about $35 million out of $40 million budgeted for negotiating the release of Chibok girls.
The source said Tukur was released on bail but ordered to report to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja whenever he was required to do so.
BusinessDay reported on Tuesday that the Central Bank of Nigeria is no longer willing to continue to allow Nigerian banks to carry their huge non-performing loans associated with the funding of the privatisation of the power sector without having to provide for them.
The apex bank, which has supported the beleaguered electricity sector with both cash injection as well as forbearance, is now contemplating a change in the rules in light of the poor performance of at least five of the distribution companies (DisCos). 

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Omoyele Sowore

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for being “clueless” over the rising insecurity in the country.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Wednesday had confirmed that gunmen attacked the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja with explosives on Tuesday night.

Omoyele Sowore BBC
Most of the hundreds of inmates at the Kuje correctional facility in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory had escaped, SaharaReporters reported.
Some terrorists on Tuesday had also opened fire on President Muhammadu Buhari’s advance convoy deployed ahead of his trip to Daura, Katsina State for Sallah celebrations.
Aminu Umar, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, was also shot dead by bandits in Katsina State.
The deceased and his team members were ambushed while on a clearance operation in Zakka forest, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Tuesday.
Sowore in a post on his social media noted that all the incidents happened a few days after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, banned social activities after 7pm.
The AAC flag bearer tweeted "You woke and clueless President's convoy attacked in Katsina, terrorists took over number 1 prison in the federal capital territory a few days after the Minister bans social activities after 7PM and Zamfara is in a lockdown and Kogi is rigged and you're unconcerned?"

You woke and clueless President's convoy attacked in Katsina, terrorists took over number 1 prison in the federal capital territory a few days after the Minister bans social activities after 7PM and Zamfara is in a lockdown and Kogi is rigged and you're unconcerned?

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) July 6, 2022

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory had vowed to resist the enforcement of the directive by the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, that recreational parks should close by 7pm.
They had described the policy as satanic, barbaric and an attempt to curtail constitutionally guaranteed freedom of movement and association of Nigerians.
 

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Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi

The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, has said none of the Boko Haram suspects detained at Kuje prison in Abuja was found after the attack on the facilities on Tuesday night.
SaharaReporters had reported that hundreds of inmates including high-profile Boko Haram suspects and bandits escaped during the invasion of the prison.

Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi Nigerian Army
Addressing journalists after taking an assessment tour of the facility, the minister said, “The attack started around 10:30pm. They came in their numbers gained entrance into the prison and they released some of the inmates and which we are now following to see the kind of inmates that they have released.
“Very soon, we will give you the correct figure of the inmates that were taken. Aside that, we are trying to see what we can do to ensure that all escapees are returned back.
“The prison is accommodating about 994 inmates and over 600 escaped. Many people have been recaptured and brought back to the prison. Maybe by the close of the day, more will have been captured and returned.
“I think everything is under control. The people who came to do this activity, from the records, we believe they belong to a particular group. Most likely, they are Boko Haram members because we have sizeable number of Boko Haram suspects in detention, and presently we cannot locate any of them.
“I think they are about 64 in the prison and none of them now is available they have all escaped.”
SaharaReporters also learnt that other inmates had been removed from the facility including the suspended deputy commissioner of police, Abba Kyari, who was remanded at the prison by a Federal High Court.
Kyari is standing trial for allegedly dealing in cocaine alongside four members of his former police unit, the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), and two other persons arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, in January this year.
Gunmen suspected to be terrorists on Tuesday night attacked the prison facility in Nigeria's capital city, and SaharaReporters learnt that the facility was ruined by the heavy firepower brought by the assailants.

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Buratai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved the billions of Naira recovered from former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd.) to the Central Bank.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how the ICPC recovered funds (including foreign currencies) from a house registered to someone fronting for Buratai, a military contractor and Managing Director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kabiru Sallau. 

Buratai
The newspaper on Wednesday learnt N2.1 billion was eventually recovered by the ICPC, which has been taken to the Central Bank of Nigeria. 
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the commission was under pressure not to disclose the full amount recovered to the public. The initial plan was to reduce the figure to as low as N30 million.
But the commission, in a statement, later said it recovered money and other items "from the property viz. N175,706,500; $220,965; G-Wagon; 2022 editions of BMW and Mercedes Benz cars; customized mobile phones; several designer wrist watches, including three Rolexes, and some property documents".

It said, "Facts available for the time being indicates that the property is owned by owner of K Salam Construction Company, a military contractor."
“The Commission arrested the Managing Director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kabiru Sallau and investigation is ongoing. The Commission is yet to conclude its investigation and prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial,” it added. 

SaharaReporters gathered that the huge cash was part of the billions of naira earmarked for the purchase of arms and ammunition by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
Buratai, a retired Lieutenant General was the COAS between 2015 and 2021.

Despite denials by his lawyer and other faceless individuals, the army general already admitted to a newspaper that the property was his and no search warrant was obtained before it was raided.
A top source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that the anti-graft agency has moved the cash recovered to the Central Bank.

The source added that the ICPC would approach a court to seek the forfeiture of the monies, house, posh vehicles, jewellery and other things recovered from the building.
“N2.1 billion was recovered and it has been taken to the CBN. ICPC is set to apply for forfeiture of the money, vehicles and the house where these items and monies were found. But the commission is still under immense pressure,” the source said.
'Missing' Arms Funds
 
In March 2021, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno revealed that funds running into billions of naira meant for the procurement of arms and ammunition under the past service chiefs were unaccounted for.
 
His revelation came a few months after President Buhari replaced Buratai and other service chiefs.
 
Others were former Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonishakin; Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar Sadique and Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ibas.
 
According to Monguno, neither the money nor the arms were on the ground upon the resumption of the new service chiefs.
 
“Now that he (President Buhari) has brought new people (service chiefs), hopefully, they will devise some ways… I’m not saying the former service chiefs diverted the money, but the money is missing. We don’t know how, and nobody knows for now,” he had said.
 
“The President will surely probe this matter. As we speak, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum too is also wondering where all the money went. I can assure you the President takes issues of this nature seriously.
 
“The fact is that preliminary investigation showed the funds are missing and the equipment is nowhere to be found.
 
“When the new service chiefs assumed office, they also said they did see anything on the ground.”
 
Buratai's History Of Graft
 
SaharaReporters had in a series of publications in 2016 exposed how Buratai procured expensive assets in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, between 2013 and 2015, from proceeds of crime.
 
He and his two wives in 2013 paid the sum of 1,498,534.00 AED (N120 million/$419,000) for the first property, Project TFG Marina Hotel Unit 2711.
 
Sale documents indicated that the first property was handed over to the Buratais on January 13, 2013.
 
Eleven days after he was appointed by President Buhari, the retired Army General made arrangements for the purchase of a second property from the same company in Dubai.
 
Between July 24 and August 17, 2015, he paid a total sum of N42.2 million into TFG Sigma 111’s account in Nigeria (Skye Bank 1770380452).
 
Evidence exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that Buratai made N10 million payments on July 24 and August 7 respectively.
 
Three days later, another N10 million was paid into the real estate firm’s account. The phone number on the Skye Bank teller is 08033349740. SaharaReporters' investigations showed that it belonged to a Nigerian Army Major, Emmanuel G. Adegbola of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (N/10808).
 
On August 17, 2015, the Chief of Army Staff paid the sum of N3,270,000 into the account.
 
Buratai, who owned up to purchasing the two properties in Dubai, however, claimed that he amassed his wealth through “personal savings” and not ill-gotten gains.
 
He added he made a lot of money from his snake farm along Keffi-Abuja Highway in Nasarawa, just 50 kilometres from the nation’s capital. 

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Human rights lawyer and Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that the 2023 general elections may not hold if the current insecurity is not addressed.
He asserted that the immediate past Goodluck Jonathan administration was compelled to postpone the 2015 elections because the terrorists were occupying some Local Governments in Borno State at that time.

Falan noted that at the moment, the terrorists were occupying many local governments in different states.
Falana made this known while speaking on Channels TV on Wednesday.
He said, “In 2015, the Goodluck Jonathan administration was compelled to postpone the election because the terrorists were occupying some Local Governments in Borno State.
“Right now, the terrorists are occupying places – Local Governments in Zamfara, Katsina, in Borno, and some other places. That’s problematic.
“During election, if that continues and you have candidates that might say, these are my catchment areas, so you can’t go on with the election if you cannot secure the country.”
Falana had in June asserted that plans by terrorists in Nigeria go beyond the massacre of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
Falana had in a statement made available to SaharaReporters recounted how members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) made several attempts to bomb Lagos State and other places in the South-West but were foiled by security agencies.
The human rights lawyer called on the Nigerian government to take more proactive measures, and equip the security agents with necessary superior weapons to ensure the security of Nigerians.

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