This is in line with the administration’s commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility and cut high fuel costs in the country. The council, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, at the State House on Monday, reiterated that there was no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by the administration.

It also ordered all government ministries, departments and agencies to henceforth procure only compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles.

“The President’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transit to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.

“This nation will not progress if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people.

“It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead,” Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale had said in a statement.

He said this was in line with the President’s commitment to effectively harnessing the nation’s gas potential, alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on the masses while enhancing the standard of living of all Nigerians.

Affected by the order, according to sources, are new requests by Nigeria Customs Service and the Shipper’s Council, an agency of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy which had sought approval to buy several hundreds of operational vehicles to be powered by petrol.

The council approved the requests but said they must be CNG vehicles. The Tinubu administration, which launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) in October 2023, plans to roll out about 800 CNG buses, 4,000 CNG tricycles and 100 electric buses in the first phase in the next few weeks.

“The government believes its policy will unlock new investments in renewable energy, solar panels and lithium batteries.

“It also believes that the policy will be climate friendly and reduce inflation as it will slash costs by about 60%” the source said.

It will be recalled that the speaker recently announced his plans to marry off the orphaned girls, who lost their parents due to banditry attacks in the Mariga local government area as part of his constituency project on May 24.

He announced that the gesture was “aimed at alleviating the suffering of the impoverished”, pledging to pay the dowries for the bridegrooms and procuring materials for the mass marriage.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, while briefing newsmen in Abuja described the plans as “unacceptable” emphasising that a full-scale investigation has commenced on the issue.

“I want to let the honourable speaker of house in Niger states to know that this is totally unacceptable by Federal Minister Of Women Affairs and by the government totally unacceptable.

“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual.

“These children must be considered their future must be considered the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.

“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police.

“And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them,” she said.

The minister also emphasised the need to ensure girl-child education and empowerment.

“As the speaker did not think about empowering these women or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training support financially.

“The Women Affairs have decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.

“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in a skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make-up her mind who and when to get married.

“If for any reason the Speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” she added.

The minister further emphasised within the Child Rights Act, every child belongs to the state, hence the rights of every child will be protected from harm, violence or anything that will infringe on their rights.

This is contained in a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs of the ministry in Lagos.

According to Oluseyi, the ministry recognises the importance of helicopter operations in Nigeria’s aviation industry and is committed to implementing international best practices in helicopter operations.

He said that the helicopter landing levies were commonplace in countries such as the U.S., the United Kingdom, India and various other regions worldwide. He maintained that Tallahassee International Airport in Florida began implementing helicopter landing levies under Vector Airport Systems, on October 1, 2022.

Oluseyi said helicopter landing levies were common across airfields in the United Kingdom, ranging from major commercial ones to small general aviation fields. He added that, typically, helicopter levies, match or exceed those for fixed-wing aircraft, varying based on factors like location and services provided.

“The Federal Government has granted NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Ltd., exclusive rights to collect helicopter landing levies in line with the MoU between NAEBI Concept and NAMA (focal Agency), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“It is instructive to note that NAMA, under the Act as amended in 2022, is empowered to collect aeronautical revenues in both the upper and lower airspace to support her self-sustainability.

“However, over the years, NAMA has predominantly relied on the upper airspace for her revenue generation.

“Government in her wisdom having discovered a lacuna on the lower airspace where helicopter operations is dominant, directed NAMA to live up to its responsibilities, to enable them generate enough resources.

“To sustain their aeronautical architecture, enhance security and surveillance and improve the overall quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria,” he said.

According to Oluseyi, the minimum is confident that the move will improve capacity, efficiency, safety, and security and attract more investment in the aviation industry.

“We encourage all stakeholders to be committed to this laudable initiative, that has followed due processes and procedures and should embrace the new normal,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister, Festus Keyamo, had recently given a directive to helicopter operators to grant total access to Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Ltd., for the collection of a $300 levy.

The company was to collect the levies on behalf of the Federal Government, immediately. Keyamo had said: “Non-compliance with this directive would constitute a breach of this mandate and would be met with appropriate sanctions”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gumel confirmed this during the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano State branch, with the theme “Turning Point” on Monday in Kano.

Gumel said most of the detainees had no case files, untraced court case records, absence of Case Diary, non-issuance of legal advice as well as prolonged criminal trials without bail.

He also highlighted the shortage of legal professionals and support staff to provide pro bono legal services to the large number of arrested and/or detained individuals and members of the Force.

“There is generally lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders, especially correctional facilities and legal aid services, leading to gaps in service delivery and support,” he said.

The commissioner expressed concerns over the vulnerability of detainees without legal representation and the potential impact on their rights within the criminal justice system.

“There is lack of basic facilities such as healthcare, routine hygiene, staff offices, and schools at the Remand Home, Goron Dutse, Kano.

“Due to this, the State Command launched a Steering Committee to facilitate the implementation of the innovative provisions contained in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Document.

“The committee, comprises of criminal justice professionals, has visited correctional facilities and held constructive discussions with stakeholders to obtain useful information on the way forward,” he added.

The police command in the state, he said, is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights through the launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS), which aims to provide free legal assistance to detainees and ensure that their rights are upheld and protected throughout the criminal justice processes.

The former union leaders, including a one-time National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, were charged before Justice Yusuf Halilu with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the office of the Attorney general of the Federation.

Also charged are; Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi. Others are; Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.

The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1.

In the suit, the defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, the prosecution counsel D. Kaswe told the court that he was taking over the prosecution of the case from Frank Longe who was handling it earlier.

He told the court that he is not comfortable with the number of defendants and is working towards splitting the charge. Kaswe added that he has studied the file and allied with the former counsel on the revocation of the defendant’s bail.

Responding to the prosecution, the defendant’s counsel Christopher Oshomegie, SAN wondered why the prosecution was interested in the revocation of the defendant’s bail.

“Why are they interested in putting these people (defendants) in jail rather than prosecuting this matter.

“The defendants were required to attend court which they have not failed. The prosecution have not brought any witness to prove their allegations ” he said.

Frank Longe had earlier sought the revocation of the defendants ‘ bail which the court was to deliver the ruling today. The judge apologised saying though he had written the ruling, he forgot it on his table as he was hurrying out.

Justice Halilu adjourned until June 26 for definite commencement of trial. Halilu granted the new prosecution counsel, Kaswe time to go through the file, adding no “matter where the defendants maybe the interest is to focus on the prosecution of the case.”

He added that bail is a contractual agreement between the court and the defendants and warned the defendants to avoid doing anything that might cause revocation of their bail.

Longe (former prosecution counsel) on March 13 told the court that the prosecution filed a motion on March 1. The motion is marked M/4807/24 praying the court for the bail of the defendants to be revoked and a restraining order issued.

He added that the defendants are threatening the lives of the prosecution witnesses and their family members. Longe claimed, that until it is stopped, the case can not go on and therefore pleaded with the court to do the needful.

Responding, the defence counsel, Christopher Oshomegie, SAN, told the court that his clients have never departed f from what the court ordered them when bail was granted.

He added that the names, and places of alleged people being threatened were not given by the prosecution. Oshomegie argued that the prosecution had not shown any documents on the threat.

“He is asking the court to take away the liberty of these men without giving the materials to do so.”

Longe informed the court that the defendants were still going about to cause trouble even though they were on bail. The defence counsel, Christopher Oshomegie, SAN, denied the allegations and argued that his clients were gentlemen who would never engage in such criminal acts.

He, however, urged court to protect the defendants from those he described as “power mongers.”

According to a security analyst, Zagazola Makama, on the X platform on Tuesday, May 14, vigilant bank security personnel thwarted the potential attack upon noticing the suspect on Monday, May 13.

Intelligence sources cited by Makama revealed that the man intended to set off explosives at a bank but was noticed by a vigilante member who alerted others.

Following his capture, an enraged crowd gathered, demanding his execution.

It remains uncertain if the individual has ties to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The police have the suspect in custody and are investigating the incident.

The Area Comptroller, Dauda Chana, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano. NAN reports that the Kano area command covers Kano and Jigawa.

He said that about ₦10.6 billion was collected as revenue in April alone. Chana said there was a significant increase in the revenue generation profile of the command, compared to the same period in 2023 when ₦12.3 billion was realised within the same period.

The area comptroller attributed the increase to the command’s security measures put in place to ensure revenue generation. The comptroller said already, the area command has introduced more stringent security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.

“Well train armed personnel have been posted to strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal smuggling of materials into our area of supervision.

“We are battle ready to end smuggling through our various strategies to pave the way for arrest and prosecution of those involved in illegal businesses,” he said.

Chana appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders, especially those around the border areas, for support to sensitise residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

“We have also reached out to youths in these border communities, to assist our field officers with required intelligence that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.

“The command’s area of coverage is a no-go area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed at identified illegal smuggling routes to ensure arrests and prosecution of offenders,’’ Chana added.

He also solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace the export of local goods.

They were arraigned by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before Justice Donatus Okorowo on a two-count terrorism charge. Those arraigned are Adamu Abubakar; Nura Muhammed Ahmadu; Ismailia Abubakar and Abdulrahman Ado, also known as Yellow, as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts. Before their arraignment, the four defendants signaled to the judge to speak in the open court.

Justice Okorowo, though initially held that since their lawyer was in court, they could speak through their counsel, the judge however gave them the leave to express themselves following their insistence.

The suspects then told the court that since their arrest over two years ago, their families did not know their whereabouts. They complained that they were subjected to inhuman treatment without food and proper care.

After they pleaded not guilty to the charge, AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, prayed the court to order their remand and sought a trial date. However, their counsel, C.S. Nwaogu, urged the court to order that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre based on their complaints.

He said this would allow their family members to have access to them. But Kaswe disagreed with Nwaogu. The government lawyer argued that due to the nature of the charge, the defendants should be remanded in the Department of State Service (DSS) custody.

Justice Okorowo, who ordered the defendants to be remanded in the DSS facility, adjourned the matter until July 24 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen had, on November 2, 2021, invaded the UniAbuja Staff Quarters in Gwagwalada and abducted six persons, including Professor Joseph Adavani, and Dr Ferguson Tobins, among others.

The abductors, who contacted the families of the victims a day after their kidnap, demanded a ransom of ₦300 million. But the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, DSP Josephine Adeh, on November 5, 2021, confirmed their release.

According to her, the development followed the efforts of the command in a joint operation with other security agencies. She also stated that some suspects linked to the crime had been nabbed by security operatives.

NAN reports that the Federal Government, through the Office of AGF, however, filed a two-count criminal charge against the four suspects.

The charge, dated July 5, 2023, was filed on July 11, 2023, by Kaswe, the Chief State Counsel in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation in the Federal Ministry of Justice. The Federal Government said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 15 and 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013.

Samaila Danmalam, state NDLEA Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the 71 suspects were arrested in connection with various drug crimes.

He listed the seized drugs to include cannabis sativa, cocaine, Rohypnol, methamphetamine and heroin. Danmalam said the agency dislodged 10 drug joints, secured seven convictions and arraigned six suspects within the period under review.

The commander said numerous enlightenment programmes against drug abuse were conducted under the agency’s non-kinetic approach to combat drug crimes.

The commander attributed the success recorded to synergy with sister agencies, traditional rulers, community heads and the media, calling for more support and cooperation to make the state drug-free.

Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero were arraigned for trial before Justice A.A. in a case identified as HCP/IC/2023 involving the State versus Awode Oladosu & 13 others.

The situation arose from accusations of arson by Chief Akeem Adigun, also known as Socopao, against Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero, and 12 others.

Agosasa community in Ipokia Local Government Area experienced turmoil recently due to a dispute over traditional leadership, resulting in significant property damage and one fatality.

Chaos ensued when operatives of the DSS unexpectedly arrived at the court premises and apprehended the suspects.

Alhaji Isiaka’s lawyer, Kehinde Bamiwola, claimed in a statement that DSS personnel employed force against his clients, alleging that Alhaji Isiaka Fatai was subjected to physical abuse, including beating, slapping, and rough handling.

The Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, expressed astonishment and condemned the incident, considering it a blatant disregard for legal protocols.

Despite clear instructions from the judge to refrain from making arrests within the court premises, law enforcement officers proceeded to arrest two individuals.

He said, “They still went ahead and did the act to the extent that they assaulted one of our staff members, Mrs Fadina while doing that act. It’s a very sad issue that caused a lot of noise within the court premises.

“It was from the source that we heard they were DSS agents. If anybody sees them, one would think they were armed robbers.

“They did not wear anything that identified them as DSS, but they came to my lord this morning and said they had some people to arrest. That was when we knew they were DSS officers.

“They approached the judge before the court session began. The honourable judge advised them that if they wanted to make an arrest, it must not be done within the court premises.”

Meanwhile, the newspaper reported that Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, was unreachable and did not respond to calls or text messages when this report was being filed.