Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Saturday 31st July 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 31/07/21
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Three Dead, Houses Burnt As Fulani Herdsmen Attack Plateau Community
At least three persons have been confirmed dead during the invasion of Nche-Tahu village, Miango Community in Plateau State by some suspected Fulani herdsmen.
SaharaReporters gathered that the herders allegedly sneaked into the village and launched an attack on the residents killing three persons while many others sustained injuries.
Properties such as houses were also burnt in the process.
Meanwhile the victims who were killed by the herders have been identified as Timothy Yakubu, Audu Dara and Irimiya David.
It was learnt that a six hectares of farmland belonging to Timothy Yakubu was destroyed on Tuesday by the invaders.
Three others identified as Ayuba Francis, Anah D*** and a youth leader of Rotsu Youth Development Association, Mankula Yah, sustained serious injuries from gunshots.
They have been taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for proper treatments.
Nuhu Bitrus Nga, Spokesperson of Miango Youth Development Association informed SaharaReporters on Friday that “on July 28 was another bad day for the Miango community as its resulted to yet another success of the wicked ones to attack Nche-Tahu village where three people were killed by names.
“Three others who sustained serious gunshot injuries include Ayuba Francis, Anah D*** and Mankula Yah, a youths leader of Rotsu youth development association.
“The perennial killings in the land have generated thousands of people homeless. This has led to a halt in socioeconomic activities of the community.”
Meanwhile, the community has urged the government to take responsibility by coming to their aid to put an end to the attacks from the herdsmen in the state.
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E2%80%93-nigerian-cleric What God Says Nnamdi Kanu, Igboho Must Do To Secure Release – Nigerian Cleric
A Nigerian cleric and General Overseer of the Christ Apostolic Miracle Ministry, Apostle Paul Okikijesu, has stated that he got a message “from God” to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho).
According to Okikijesu, God has promised to intervene in their cases, if the activists could fast and pray for three days as this will assure a divine intervention.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: within the next 21 days, I will release Kanu and Sunday from their incarceration,” he prophesied in a statement released on Thursday.
“They used people of their tribes for them to know their movement, arrest them, and bring charges against them.
“This is what caused what happened to them; because if there is no one with their organization, or very close to them, who anonymously provided confidential information, and betrayed them; they will not find themselves in their present situations.
“Kanu and Sunday should be cautious; they should not apply only their own wisdom to their journeys; because the wisdom of I the Lord alone is worth in anyone’s journey.
“It is certain people who decided that ‘let us silence these people.’ If there is a powerful person in a state, and there is no one who can subdue the powerful person; then, people will use those who are close to the powerful person, who understands him and speaks the language of the powerful person. It is such people that were used to divulge the ways to entrap Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
“Inform both Kanu and Sunday Igboho, they should fast for three days from July 29th, 2021 to July 31, 2021. I the Lord Myself, the Almighty God, the Ancient of Days, I the One who is called Jehovah in the eternal throne; who created mankind.
“I the Lord Myself will intervene in their cases, and I will take control/possess those who incarcerated them; then the truth shall manifest, and they will be set free from detention,” he said.
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E2%80%99s-detained-associates-given-%E2%80%98engine-oil%E2%80%99-soup-treated-worse-animals-%E2%80%93-lawyer 12 Igboho’s Detained Associates Given ‘Engine Oil’ As Soup, Treated Worse Than Animals – Lawyer
Pelumi Olajengbesi, counsel to the 12 persons that were arrested at the residence of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho, has raised alarm over their deteriorating health at the Department of State Services’ office.
Olajengbesi, who led another lawyer to the office of the DSS in Abuja on Friday, said the detainees were made to sleep on bare floor, given engine oil as soup, and were badly beaten by operatives of the Nigeria’s secret police.
The lawyer added that the agency kept back eight persons in custody, claiming that the names it was given were wrong.
Olajengbesi alleged that the detainees are being treated badly and worse than animals by the DSS.
He said, “Sequel to the appointment we had to visit the detainees, three of our lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. were at the DSS today. However, we were only privileged to meet with 4 of them as the DSS insisted that they are working with the correct names of those in their custody as reflected in the Enrollment Order of the court.
“Notwithstanding, we extended greetings to all of them on behalf of Chief Sunday Igboho, Chief Yomi Alliyu SAN and on behalf of the entire legal team. While giving them hints about the state of the matter ahead of the hearing on Monday, we assured them of our commitment to their matter as effort is being made on a daily basis to secure their release, and that we are optimistic of getting justice very soon in their matter.
“On the issue of the discrepancies in the names, it was confirmed that there was error from both sides as to the correctness of their name. We, therefore, agreed to adopt same as reflected on the DSS’ processes and we have concluded plans to file a motion for amendment of our processes in order to avoid any unnecessary legal debate that may further prolong the matter.
“It is important to state that their current situation is a classical definition of wholesome human rights abuse. Their health is sadly poor and in a sorry situation. They are made to sleep on the bare floor and are badly beaten before medical treatment is accorded them to heal and conceal injuries from the torture. Lady K, in particular, seems to have sustained fracture on her left leg and is in serious pains. She has not had a change of clothes and folds herself to sleep in the terrible cell. A larger percent of them have high blood pressure issues as confirmed by the SSS clinic. They are fed with a liquid they call Engine Oil as their soup for their food. Their normal routine is to eat and resume the toilet where they purge for long.
“Suffice to say, they’re being treated badly and worse than animals, and we did our best in assuring and keeping them upbeat and in high spirits before making our exit.”
The Nigeria’s secret police had on July 1 raided Igboho’s residence in Oyo.
The agency also paraded the 12 supporters of the activist, alleging that they attacked DSS operatives during the raid.
The supporters were subsequently moved to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they had been in detention.
Owing to their detention, the suspects had through their lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed an application at the court asking the court to “inquire into the circumstances constituting grounds of their arrest and detention since July 2, 2021, and where it deems fit admit applicants on bail.”
They also asked for an order “mandating and compelling the respondents to produce the applicants before this honourable court and show cause as to why the applicants should not be granted bail in accordance with the provisions of section 32 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015”.
Ruling on the application on July 23, Obiora Egwatu, the judge, said there was merit in the application.
Consequently, the judge granted all the orders sought and asked the DSS to produce the applicants in court on July 29 (today) and also show cause on why the court should not admit them to bail conditionally or unconditionally.
However, the secret police failed to produce the detained aides as ordered by the court.
The counsel for the applicants, Olajengbesi, alleged that the DSS had given the applicants new names as there are discrepancies in the spelling of their names.
Justice Egwuatu however held that the order of the court was for the DSS to produce the applicants in court.
He said that order should be obeyed first, before telling the court the circumstances of their arrest.
Justice Obiora reemphasised his order directing the respondent produce the applicants in court on 2nd August.
He also ordered the DSS to grant the applicants access to their counsel.
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E2%80%98super-cop%E2%80%99-kyari-%E2%80%94 How Nigeria Police Consistently Ignored Criminal Petitions Against ‘Super Cop’ Kyari — Activist Reveals
A human rights activist has explained how several petitions were sent to the Nigeria Police Force over atrocities allegedly committed by embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, but they were ignored for unknown reasons.
The source, who spoke to SaharaReporters, said the recent report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation did not come as a surprise to human rights groups, who pioneered the majority of the petitions.
According to him, many police units — including (Special Anti-Robbery Squad & Intelligence Response Squad) – headed by Kyari have been indicted in recurring cases of killing ‘wealthy’ suspects in custody and taking over the property perceived to be proceeds of crime.
He cited the death of Michael Adiukwu, a former police officer who masterminded the Offa bank robbery.
It was alleged that Adiukwu was ‘killed’ in custody because he was in possession of the money robbed from the bank.
The source also noted that a report by Amnesty International documented incidents of conversion of money and property of crime suspects arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) under Abba Kyari by the operatives of the rogue unit.
According to him, the persistent petitions against the rogue activities of Abba Kyari’s IRT were part of what forced the then Inspector-General of Police to shut down the IGP IRT/STS (Special Tactical Squad).
He said, “Do you remember the execution, in custody, of Adiukwu the Offa robbery mastermind? His co-accused said Adiukwu was in possession of the money they robbed from the banks.
“There is nothing new to us — Nigerian human rights groups — about the revelation by the US intelligence agency about Abba Kyari. Or shall I rather say that it didn’t come to many of us who know him as a surprise?”
A statement was issued by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations in July 2020 itemising some of the instances of criminal activities and human rights atrocities of the personnel of the IRT and STS states across Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre; Segun Awosanya, Founder/President Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF) and Justus Ijeoma, Esq, Executive Director, International Human Rights and Equity Defense Foundation (I-REF).
This followed a move by the then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to disband the satellite offices and bases of the Inspector- General of Police IRT/STS.
The statement read: “Many of them engage in abductions, detention, torture, and extortion of targeted victims. They appropriate exhibits and illegally seized properties not connected to any crime and demand bribes in millions to release their victims.
”Case 1: Francis Eze, a trader at Onitsha Medicine Market (Ogbogwu) was arrested on Wednesday 18th of March, 2020 by officers of IRT. He was on his way to Owerri in his Sienna car when he was accosted and arrested by the IRT officers who operated in a Hummer Bus.
”Francis was eventually released alongside others on Friday, the 20th in Kaduna while his vehicle was still held in their custody in Owerri. They also did not return his phone, wristwatch, and gold necklace to him. All these properties belonging to Francis have remained in their custody for yet-to-be explained reasons.
“Case 2: Onyebuchi Okonkwo informed us about the case of his brother, Ikechuchu Okonkwo, a trader at Bridgehead Market, Onitsha who was arrested on Monday, 8th of June, 2020 by a team of officers led by one Supol in Abuja. Ikechukwu was initially detained at Area Command, Onitsha and money extorted from him.
”Case 3: A young man who was facing harassment by operatives of IRT in Ogun State contacted RULAAC. His brother and friend were arrested in his place as bait to lure him to the station for a false allegation of armed robbery. One of the officers who arrested his brother was calling him and asking him to bring the sum of N200,000 for them to release his brother and end the manhunt on him.
”RULAAC got him to record the officers negotiating bribe with him. He did and forwarded the voice record to us. We forwarded the voice to the team leader who immediately released his brother and ended the manhunt on him after listening to the audio. The team leader also pleaded that we should not make the audio public. We still have it.”
”Case 4: Ann Okpara; A 36-year-old woman was arrested by men of the Intelligence Response Team at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters on July 14, 2017, at Igando, Lagos State.
“According to her, she was arrested in lieu of her husband whom the police alleged was an accomplice to Evans currently being tried for various kidnapping cases.”
“Case 5: This case was one of the cases reported in Amnesty International’s report released in June 2020 entitled ‘Time to End Impunity: Torture and Other Violations by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)’ under the sub-caption, ‘Targeting Money And Property’.”
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E2%80%93-lawyer Sunday Igboho Can Be Killed If Beninese Court Frees Him At This Time – Lawyer
Sunday Igboho
Olusegun Falola, one of the nine lawyers to Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) has stated that the activist may be killed if the Beninese court decides to free him at this moment when there is still tension between the Nigerian government and its Benin Republic counterpart.
Falola noted that the resumption of Igboho’s trial might take two weeks or months in court, noting that only the judges could determine the next day of trial.
Sunday Igboho
The Doctor of Philosophy holder who teaches law in one of the Beninoise universities stated these in an interview with Nation on Thursday.
He said, “Though the laws of Benin Republic do not allow a person to be detained in police custody beyond one week, authorities in the Benin Republic believe that setting Igboho free at the time the matter was still generating a lot of heat in local and international circles might also expose him to danger.
“Igboho has not committed any offence here. He did not even stay here up to one day before he was arrested. He was arrested at the airport on his way out.
“Space and time were not enough to link him with any criminal issue here. This has made it difficult to say his mission here is to cause trouble or commit a crime. He was arrested because of political issues emanating from Nigeria.
“His continued incarceration here is to allow things to calm down and for peace to reign between Nigeria and Benin Republic. We have no criminal allegation against him in the Benin Republic.
“Anyone that insists that we should set Igboho free now only wants him killed. He can be killed, which may cause more problems.
“I have not seen him since Monday, but his wife is allowed to see him. I am processing for permission to see him. But I see his wife from time to time. We spoke about two hours ago. She said he is very safe where he is now. He was given medical attention immediately after he got to the prison.
“The new place is far better than the police cell because he will no longer be in handcuffs. He enjoys full protection and comfort where he is being kept. There is an instruction that he should not be made to feel like a prisoner or criminal. He is not a convict yet.
“About the next court appearance, we have not gone back to the court because that is not how we do it here. It takes some two weeks or months before we can do anything on the matter.
“As a matter of fact, it is the judges that can do something about the next court appearance.”
SaharaReporters had reported how the Benin Republic police two Mondays ago arrested Igboho at the Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou, while trying to fly from the country to Germany.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had on July 1 raided the residence of the activist in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Igboho had planned a ”Yoruba Nation Rally” in Lagos two days before the raid.
The DSS raided the residence, killing two people and arresting 12 aides but Igboho escaped.
The agency alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.
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Housing Policy Can Determine Economic And Educational Outcomes, By Dr Nasir Aminu
Over the past six years, the living standard of the average Nigerian has reduced, and the evidence is beyond doubt. A contributing factor is the country’s rising population, which leads to an increased demand for basic human needs like food, water, housing, and more. The high consumption contributes to ecological degradation and increased conflicts in the country. The persistent insecurity and other natural disasters have led to the displacement of millions of people and are considered a significant contributor to the lack of basic human needs.
For the average Nigerian, their main concern is the lack of basic human needs – air, food, water, are shelter are the four basic human needs required for our survival. Failure to provide for these human needs make our existence incredibly difficult. Out of the four basic humans needs, the only basic human condition that is readily available for Nigerians is the air we breathe. Community leaders are no longer silent about the increased level of hunger, the lack of clean water, and the shortage of accommodation in their lands.
As the days go by, the reality is dawning on Nigerians that the Buhari administration cannot implement policies to improve the livelihood of the growing population by providing basic human needs. Therefore, the next government will have to take responsibility to do so, and it is vital to begin planning as early as possible. These basic human needs can be provided simultaneously with security, safety, social stability, and the law.
One of the tasks of the next government should be designing a policy that will provide decent homes and a suitable living environment for Nigerians. In recent years, Nigerians have seen more homes being destroyed for a different reason than being built by the government, including Borno State, where 4000 houses were recently commissioned. This issue is more worrisome in the Northern part of the country.
Building houses are found to be more viable than building roads and bridges because they are paid for by most of the occupiers. However, the price of infrastructures like roads and bridges are solely borne by the providers – the government. The sources of these funds are usually from loans which represents a heavy fiscal burden for the respective governments. Unlike other public infrasturucture, public houses would cushion the financial pressure for the government as payments are made in the form of rents, mortgages, or sales. In my opinion, the new housing policy should be thinking beyond the provision of 300,000 houses across the country. The plan should target building tens of thousands of homes across the 774 local governments within a short period and should replicate the larger versions of those done across the country in the 1970s.
Nevertheless, the structure of government housing policy can be a complex business because it involves many players. The planners should be able to understand the complexities around engaging with private companies who will be involved in housing development and construction. Other issues include mortgages, subsidies, and the level of savings required for the beneficiaries.
It goes without saying that a successful housing plan will provide an enormous amount of jobs in the country. Building houses can go beyond providing basic shelter because it can help provide a stable environment where children can learn and succeed academically. With 44 percent of the country’s 200 million people being under 15 years old, a housing policy can be a key to building a formidable working generation that will drive the country to be among the global elites in terms of productivity.
I one of my previous columns, I mentioned that education is one of the goals that can eradicate global poverty. A growing body of research also posits that as schools and teachers bear principal responsibility for children’s education, a supportive and stable home environment can complement the efforts of educators, leading to better student achievement. Thus, a well-planned housing policy in Nigeria can create better educational opportunities for communities and build stronger economic foundations for families. Studies have found a strong link between successful housing policies and higher educational outcomes in developing economies. And communities with higher educational attainment tend to have lower birth rates.
World Bank data shows children born by a fertile Nigerian woman living in a more urban area is between three to five children, while a more rural family may have as many as ten. Due to lack of housing, these families find themselves in disturbing social issues like crimes, homelessness, and street begging. These issues contribute to other social issues like inequality and the poverty rate in the country. It is worrying for everyone, especially for the children who did not choose to be born into a specific community.
The evidence provided by the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index shows that 46 out of every 100 people live in extreme poverty due to deprivation of health and education and a lower living standard in the country. We can use housing policies as a tool for alleviating poverty. These policies can create facilities that will make the more inferior groups rise to a higher economic position. Doing so will demonstrate government assistance as a commendable investment in Nigeria’s future.
Research in developed economies, like the US and the UK, has shown that housing developments create strong community development organisations. The housing communities tend to build collective bodies that provide internal support, regardless of residents’ income and educational levels. Having such kind of virtue can be very useful for the Nigeria’s development. Also, the investigation across countries in Latin American and Asia shows that the history of so many social issues arises from unstable, unaffordable, and poor-quality housing. Housing policies we contributed to alleviating these issues. Individuals with access to housing opportunities rise on the economic ladder, and the benefits of such opportunities are essentially connected to the community at large.
The success of the housing policy will depend on all those players involved, including potential beneficiaries. They should be able to understand their role and how the policy is designed to work. That is why the next government should start planning because it will be disappointing for Nigerians to have another government that will spend five months thinking of how to provide basic human needs.
Dr Nasir Aminu – Cardiff Metropolitan University
Twitter: @AminuEcon
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E2%80%99s-coalition-lawyers-asks-embattled-police-officer-abba-kyari-step-down-head-igp Nigeria’s Coalition Of Lawyers Asks Embattled Police Officer, Abba Kyari To Step Down As Head of IGP Monitoring Unit
The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has demanded the immediate removal of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, as the head of the Inspector-General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force over his indictment in a United States’ fraud case.
The group said the retention of Kyari in the office was no longer tenable considering the damning revelations made against him and his office by self-confessed internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, more commonly called Hushpuppi.
The coalition disclosed this in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Pelumi Olajengbesi, on Friday in Abuja.
The statement urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to oversee the investigation into the allegations in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation which had so far demonstrated a vigorous resolve by providing evidence against the senior police officer.The lawyers noted that the indictment against the super cop was an embarrassment to the Nigeria Police Force and the country as a whole.
The statement partly reads, “The continuous retention of Abba Kyari as the head of Inspector General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force is no longer tenable pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the extent of his guilt, complicity or the lack thereof in the damning revelations made against his person and office by self-confessed internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas aka Hushpuppi.
“That the weight of the allegation(s) against DCP Abba Kyari puts his repute and office in question and invites a thorough investigation into the matter in a manner free from prejudicial interference from his colleagues and associates.
“That the alleged fraternization of a top and decorated Nigerian cop with a figure of such questionable habits and precedents is an indictment on the quality of personnel within the Nigeria Police Force as a whole, and thus necessitates an inquiry into the competence and ethics of the hierarchy of the entire Police Force.
“The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) notes that it will be unsatisfactory to pay mere lip service to the general public in this matter as the much publicised details of Mr. Abba Kyari’s indictment by the FBI is driving a national frenzy and curiosity that must be sufficiently met.
“The Nigeria Police Force must therefore show proof of its relieve of DCP Abbas Kyari from his position on the Force and hands-off the inquest into his involvement in fraud and the abuse of police power.
“We want to assure the general public that this matter will not be swept under the carpet under our watch and that no sacred cows will be venerated in the search for truth and justice.”
SaharaReporters had on Thursday reported how Hushpuppi, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges, in the US named Kyari as an accomplice and provided evidences of how he bribed the top police officer.
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Nigerian Government Reveals Date To Launch Six Super Tucano Aircraft From US
The Federal Government has said it would be launching the six Super Tucano fighter aircraft purchased from the United States by next Tuesday, August 3.
The Nigerian government also refuted the claim of an $875 million ammunition deal with the United States which was reportedly blocked by some lawmakers in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known on Friday, describing the purported ammunition deal reported as false.
The Minister said the government was satisfied with the progress and cooperation with US, noting that there was no contract of such nature and sum between Nigeria and the US.
“There is no contract of arms between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America today apart from the 12 Super Tucano Attack Helicopters of which six had been delivered.
“We are quite satisfied with the progress and cooperation that we received from the government of the US on this issue.
“As a matter of fact, six of the Tucano helicopter will be launched on August 3, this year.
“We are not aware of the so called 875million USD arms contract or some helicopters which they said some lawmakers in the US are trying to persuade the president of the US not to honour.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the US is smooth and waxing stronger,’’ he added.
It was in the news earlier that some influential U.S. lawmakers were masterminding a hold on a proposed sale of ammunition and attack helicopters to Nigeria over allegations of human rights abuses and anti-democratic actions of the present administration.
It was said lawmakers are holding down a proposed sale of attack helicopters to Nigeria, citing poor human rights record of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, as it grapples with multiple security crises.
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Sunday Igboho Demystified! By Ozodinukwe Okenwa
SOC Okenwa
Just weeks after Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the mercurial erstwhile fugitive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was nabbed in Nairobi, Kenya, and renditioned controversially to Nigeria the popular Yoruba (Oduduwa) nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, was arrested by the Interpol in Cotonou, Benin Republic, as he made his way to board a flight to Germany. His wife, Ropo, was apprehended with him.
Unlike Kanu, however, whose abduction and rendition generated much furore on the Biafran streets more than the elite circles, the Yoruba elite, kings and leaders, had rallied round Igboho displaying a united front and solidarity towards the cause for which the glorified freedom fighter was being ‘persecuted’.
SOC Okenwa
Following the audacious invasion of his Soka, Ibadan, country home by the Department of State Services (DSS) agents in the wee hours of the night late last month Igboho was declared wanted by the secret police having been accused of stockpiling arms and ammunitions aimed at destabilizing the nation. In the bloody raid two of Igboho’s aides were killed and a dozen of his domestic assistants arrested and taken away. They are still in detention!
The arsenal of war displayed by the DSS as those found inside Igboho’s residence during the violent dusk operation were enough proof of Igboho’s determination and preparedness to fend off any attack or aggression from any quarters. Though he had denied ownership of the weapons the other personal effects seized (passports, amulets, charms, traditional bullet-proof vests etc) somehow lent credence to the DSS claim.
Presently there is a judicial battle engaged by the Buhari regime to have Igboho brought back to Nigeria from the neighbouring Benin Republic to face justice. He was officially accused by the Nigerian government of gun-running, incitation of violence and insurrection.
Last monday the trial of the two most-wanted ‘terrorists’ began in earnest, one in Abuja and the other in Cotonou. While the DSS failed to produce Kanu in court citing logistical problems Igboho was present at the Cour d’Appel de Cotonou where his case was heard.
The Beninese Judges were trying Igboho principally for his illegal entry into the Francophone country and not on extradition demands of the Buhari regime or his possession of fake Beninese passport with which he had sought to bolt away into exile in Germany. After a marathon trial spanning hours till about midnight Igboho was ordered remanded in custody pending further investigations.
By allegedly forging the Beninese international passport Igboho could have pulled off his escape to Germany if he were to have used another airport other than that of Cotonou. A crime in itself in Benin, passport forgery, Igboho could have used the huge network of Yorubas in Benin Republic to realise the ‘Oluwole’ passport with which he sought to flee.
He did beat the security surveillance in Nigeria by escaping from Nigeria through the famous ‘NADECO route’. He could have disguised himself as a woman or hidden inside a boot of a car or even escorted by rogue security personnel for a fee. Perhaps Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, could have given Igboho some lessons on how best to beat security even around Government House.
Fayose, it would be recalled, during his first stint as Executive Governor of Ekiti State during ‘Babacracy’, had reportedly hidden himself inside a rickety car as his ‘immunity’ expired following the end of his tenure.
Obasanjo had vowed to get him arrested for massive corruption allegations but he smartly evaded arrest!
When we warned Igboho against his fetish hubris in one of our essays few months ago he probably did not read it or take it seriously. Now with ‘juju’ failing him at home and abroad it remains to be seen how much his faith in same had shaken. If he is not yet demystified then his demystification could come sooner than expected.
When he was picked up at the airport in Cotonou a scuffle reportedly broke out leading to a wounded wrist. And when a handcuff was applied to the wounded wrist Igboho was said to be in serious pain, crying all night long like a baby whose feeding bottle had been taken forcefully away! His marabouts or fetish priests were nowhere to be found!
Igboho may not be ‘finished’ yet having been found and fixed as it were. But in the end whether his extradiction back to Nigeria works or backfires President Buhari has succeeded in silencing yet another strong voice for secession.
The embattled underwhelming President had scored a major point by having Kanu in Abuja and Igboho in Cotonou — all behind bars. If Igboho is eventually sent home following the improbable judicial triumph by the Nigerian state then Buharism could have had everything to celebrate for. Caging Kanu and Igboho is about the ‘greatest’ achievement recorded thus far by a rudderless administration whose colossal failure to fix things social and economic and improve the Nigerian condition has since been established as a fact.
Yet, while President Buhari and his gang could gloat over the mortal blow inflicted on the leadership of the separatist movements in the south-east and south-west the truth of the matter remains that Igboho and Kanu are not the major problems confronting our nation. Sectionalism, injustice, inequality, poverty and terrorism are more dangerous problems than the agitations for the Biafran and Oduduwa Republics.
If things were normal, if the President were to be ruling well then the Kanus and Igbohos of this world would not have emerged to right the wrongs perceived in the system.
With Boko Haram’s Abubakar Shekau dispatched to the great beyond (even though Buhari and the ruling APC mob could not claim credit for his elimination) and IPOB/ESN’s Nnamdi Kanu cornered and caged the coast is now clear for Buhari to continue in his hypocritical ‘One-Nigeria’ mantra.
Yet restructuring, in our patriotic reckoning, remains the only way out, going forward.
SOC Okenwasoco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr
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E2%80%93-survey Only 25% Of Northern Nigerian Girls Proceed To Secondary School – Survey
Only 25 per cent of school-age girls in Northern Nigeria proceed to secondary school while only four per cent of them are able to complete it, according to a survey by a group, the Centre for Girl Child Education.
The centre’s board member, Binta Muhammad, disclosed this on Thursday in Sokoto.
www.the-star.co.ke
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Muhammad stated that CGE was established in 2007 with 64 girls in rural communities in Kaduna after a baseline survey was conducted.
Speaking on the CGE report, Muhammad said, “The survey indicated that only 25 per cent of primary school girls continue to secondary school, and only four per cent graduate secondary school.”
She explained that the non-governmental organisation had improved access and quality of schooling and vocational training for rural and low-income urban girls in northern Nigeria.
She added that the CGE intervened in gender-based violence, intensive literacy, life skills, nutrition, and others in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe.
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