Metro

Nigerian @64: :CSOs Protest In Edo,Demand Restoration of Fuel Subsidy, Others

Published

9 months ago

October 1, 2024

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Edo State on Tuesday took to the streets of Benin, demanding the restoration of fuel subsidy, improvement of security, revert to single legislature among others by the Bola Tinubu administration.

The protesters caused traffic gridlock on the ever busy Mission Road and its adjoining streets.

The coalition who moved from the Kings Square (Ring Road) chanted solidarity songs while bearing placards with different inscriptions: ‘restore fuel subsidy’; ‘we are hungry’; ‘end insecurity,’ among others.

The coalition, which included: African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Talakawa Republic; Take it Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organization, during their to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council secretariat, Benin City, lamented that the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity and floating of the naira have made life very difficult for Nigerians.

Speaking, Take it Back Movement coordinator in Edo State, Dr Lawal Haifz, said they were on the streets to demand that restoration of fuel subsidy, improve on security so that farmers could go to farm.

Haifz also bemoaned the free fall of the naira and urged government to restore the hope of the common man.

According to him, “We are here to protest the current situation in Nigeria. People are really suffering. We demand the restoration of the fuel subsidy. Insecurity has made it impossible for our people to go to farm and that is why you can no longer buy foodstuffs.

“We don’t need the Senate and House of Representatives at the same time .The money spent on the two House can go a long way to take care of Nigeria needs. The so called minimum wage cannot even buy a bag of rice . There is extreme hunger.”

Also speaking the convener of Faculty of Peace Organization, Comrade Kelly Osunbor, said the Nigerian political class are just being wicked. He queried where the money distributed to voters during the Edo State Governorship election on the 21st of September came from ?

“They tell us that there is no money,where did they get the money shared to voters during September 21 election came from? Just calculate the #10,000 to #20,000 distributed to voters ,and they said there is no money. These guys are just being wicked. My father hoped for better Nigeria,he is dead now. He did not see a better Nigeria. Today we are hoping for a better Nigeria.

“Government does not provide anything. We sink our own borehole and the fuel God has given to us freely is what they are using to punish us. Let me tell you that they are calling for revolution. If a parasite goes into its host, it will never stop until it finishes the host,the Nigerian political class is like a parasite..They are calling for revolution,and they must get revolution. We have tried BEVAS,it did not work, we have tried IReV,it did not work. We have tried Athahiru Jega, that one did not work. So,the only thing they will hear is revolution.” He said.

The coalition moved from the Kings Square (Ring Road) chanting solidarity songs while bearing placards with different inscriptions like. ‘Restore fuel Subsidy’, ‘We are hungry”. ‘ End insecurity ‘ among others and caused traffic gridlock on the ever busy Mission Road and it’s adjoining streets.

Metro

Police Arrests Three Masterminds Of Abuja Kidnappings

Published

15 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested three notorious kidnap suspects linked to a spate of deadly abductions in Abuja and neighbouring states.

According to a statement signed by the Force PPRO, Abuja Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, the suspects, 27 years old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State; 30 years old Sale Usman from Niger State; and 28 years old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja, were captured during sting operations carried out between June 13 and 18, 2025, in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.

The suspects, who have been on the Command’s wanted list, reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings and murders, including the 2024 killing of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area where their father was shot dead. Police also tied them to the kidnapping of a woman for whom N10 million was paid in ransom, with each gang member pocketing N500,000.

Adeh said the breakthrough followed “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.

According to the police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also doubled as the gang’s arms supplier, led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team was met with gunfire from other gang members, prompting a shootout.

“Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot and rearrested. Other gang members escaped and are currently being pursued,” the statement added.

Exhibits recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the bravery of the Scorpion Squad and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to public safety. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security operatives.

“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT. We are determined to rid our communities of criminal elements,” he said.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, police have intensified efforts to track and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
(PUNCH)

Metro

FG Closes Case In Alleged Terrorism Trial Against Nnamdi Kanu

Published

17 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government, on Thursday, closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

The FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced this after the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course.
(NAN)

Metro

NAF Air Strikes Destroy IED Factory, Terrorists’ Gun Trucks In Borno

Published

17 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Thursday that its fighter aircraft operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has destroyed an IED factory and terrorist gun trucks and eliminated dozens of fighters in Kwaltiri, within the Tumbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations, said, “The 18 June 2025 airstrike followed intelligence reports of terrorist activity in the area.

“Surveillance confirmed the presence of an IED-making site and vehicles, which were struck in precision passes by NAF aircraft.

“The operation is a major blow to terrorists’ fighting capabilities, as the successful strikes not only disrupted their command and control as well as logistics chains but also sent shockwaves through their ranks, significantly degrading their morale and operational momentum.

“It reinforces NAF’s resolve to degrade terrorist capabilities and enhance security in the North East.”