June 29, 2022

[GIST] International Press Centre Condemns Detention, Harassment Of Wikki Times Journalists Over Report On Deceased APC Local Council Chairman

[GIST] International Press Centre Condemns Detention, Harassment Of Wikki Times Journalists Over Report On Deceased APC Local Council Chairman

All Content

The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the detention, harassment and molestation of Haruna Mohammed, the publisher of WikkiTimes online newspaper and one of its reporters, Idris Kamal, by the Bauchi state police command.

The IPC on Tuesday condemned the action of the state police command in a statement signed by the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, and obtained by SaharaReporters.

Arogundade noted that the ordeal of the two journalists began on Monday, June 27, 2022, when they honoured an invitation from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) following a petition by one Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency.

He noted that the invitation concerns a Wikki Times report of May 18, 2022, on the sudden death of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.

He said, "The journalists arrived at the station about 10:00 am on Monday but after making a statement, they were clamped into a cell where they alleged that they were physically assaulted.

“Despite the presence of their lawyer at the police station, they were not set free until about 10 hours later and asked to report back on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, for further interrogation. The two journalists again reported at the SCIID Bauchi on Tuesday as directed but were promptly taken before a Bauchi Magistrates Court where they were charged with criminal conspiracy, defamation of character and cyber stalking.

"The court ruled that they should be held in custody until tomorrow, Wednesday, June 29, 2022. IPC is worried about this trend of events and calls on the police command in Bauchi to avoid being used as tools of harassment against the journalists. Since the petitioner alleged defamation, the police should have in the first instance advised him to seek legal redress instead of illegally detaining the journalists for 10 hours on Monday, June 27, 2022, and subjecting them to physical and mental harassment in the process.”

"It now behoves the police authorities in the state to ensure the safety of Mohammed and Kamal. Journalists should not continue to be treated as endangered species in Nigeria. In all circumstances the security agencies must always strive to toe the path of the rule of law in handling complaints or petitions against journalists and other media professionals, just as they should normally do for all citizens," Arogundade added.

Journalism MEDIA News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] How Tambuwal, Others Prevented Implementation Of 2014 National Convention Recommendations —Former President Jonathan

[GIST] How Tambuwal, Others Prevented Implementation Of 2014 National Convention Recommendations —Former President Jonathan

All Content

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has described the defection of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 as a major reason why it was impossible for his government to implement the 2014 National Convention recommendations.

One of the recommendations of the convention attended by Nigerians chosen from across the country was restructuring, which many southerners have been clamouring for.

The former president made this known on Tuesday in his remark at the public presentation of ‘The National Question’, a book written by Akpandem James & Sam Akpe, in Abuja.

In 2014, the Goodluck Jonathan administration organised a national dialogue to deliberate on, and recommend ways to resolve some of the challenges facing his government, many of which were rooted in history.

He, however, failed to implement the recommendations made at the convention till he left office in 2015 and many Nigerians have berated him for it, accusing the former President of trying to use its implementation as a campaign tool to return to power in 2015.

Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election to incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former President, however, explained that it was too late for him to implement them when they were presented in August 2014 due to the complexity of the Nigerian system.

He said, "Whenever people say that I should implement its recommendations, my feeling is either those people did not understand the political environment at that time, the length of time it would take to implement the report of a conference like that or probably were just playing politics with such an important matter.

"Those knowledgeable about the processes of constitutional reforms will know that to implement the Confab report, a number of alterations will be made in the constitution which would require the involvement of the National Assembly and state assemblies.

"Such an elaborate review couldn’t have been possible at that time because by the time the report was submitted in August 2014, we were already on the verge of a general election.

"It is also important to point out that at that time, the speaker of the House of representatives, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was a member of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had already moved out, with some members, to the opposition party.

"When you know that your parliament is under that kind of situation, it would have been imprudent on my own part to take such a precious document, which I consider as crucial to our development yearnings, to a parliament that would not give it due consideration.

"If we had a task that would require the alteration of the constitution, enactment of new laws, and amendment of some existing ones, there was no way that could have been done overnight."

He further stated that the Buhari administration should have implemented the recommendations for national interests and urged Nigerians to desist from using the recommendations as a political tool.

He said, "If we take politics out of our national calculations, we would all agree that with a fresh government it would have been easier to achieve the implementation of the report.

“One of the problems of this country is that we like playing politics with things that have very much to do with national interest. We play politics with our security. We play politics with our economy. We play politics with almost everything. That, definitely, is not the way to go, if we must make progress in realising our national aspirations and goals.

"May God bless the soul of Justice Idris Kutigi, chairman of the Conference, who died in 2018. However, the Vice-Chairman Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and other members who are still alive can testify that I never interfered with any decision of the conference. I can recall a particular incident when the chairman and his vice approached me for my guidance on a pressing matter before them, but I bluntly told them to figure it out themselves.

"I reminded them that, apart from the representatives of the youths, human rights and student groups, most of the members of the conference, up to 60 per cent of them, were older and even more experienced than myself. I encouraged them to deploy their vast experience to execute the assignment without interference.

"In closing, I implore our citizens to realise that the 2014 Conference was neither about me nor what my administration stood to gain from it at that time. It was all for the good of our country, our children and our grandchildren.”

"I plead with Nigerians not to play politics with the 2014 Conference report. I believe that at the appropriate time, the country through a dedicated parliament will do the right thing. And the right thing is to duly and dispassionately consider the report of the conference with a view to implementing the recommendations for the good of the country," he added.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] Court Releases Nigerian Comedian, Broda Mike, Illegally Detained By Secret Police, DSS Over Comedy Skits

[GIST] Court Releases Nigerian Comedian, Broda Mike, Illegally Detained By Secret Police, DSS Over Comedy Skits

All Content

The Edo State High Court sitting in Benin, the state capital has granted bail to the comedian and vlogger, Chukwu Michael Emeka, arrested by Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services (DSS).

His lawyer, Matthew Osa-Oghogho, confirmed that the comedian, popularly known as Broda Mike, had been released in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, saying, “Today, the High Court of justice sitting in Benin released Comedian Emeka Chukwu Aka #BrotherMike to bail. He was arrested by the Department of State Services and accused of inciting the Public.

"The court agreed with our submission that the application for the remand of Mr. Chukwu is unmeritorious and therefore admitted him to bail. We stand for justice always and at all times!”

The lawyer also posted a picture of himself and the comedian.

The DSS arrested the comedian on June 14, 2022, accusing him of inciting the public. The comedian had been using comedy skits to talk about issues affecting Nigerians including poor governance and insecurity.

Reacting to his release, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, tweeted, “BREAKING #BrodaMike granted bail: Glad to announce that lawless DSS was handed defeated in court today as I’ve argued, yesterday they were grandstanding that they have a valid detention order to keep #BrodaMike detained.

“It was all a ruse and a court in Edo state (presumably the court they obtained the fraudulent order from) has reversed itself and granted #BrodaMike bail.

“A lawyer Matthew Osa-oghogho handled this case brilliantly. It is another day that gladdens the spirit of relentless struggle for social justice in Nigeria and a defeat of tyranny. #Welcome Back #BrodaMike.

“Great job @Matthew Osa-Oghogho.”

Human Rights News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 

June 28, 2022

Audiomack Signs Licensing Agreement with Universal Music Group to Expand Global Footprint in Africa

Audiomack Signs Licensing Agreement with Universal Music Group to Expand Global Footprint in Africa

Audiomack, the artist-first music streaming and discovery platform, and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world-leader in music-based entertainment,  announced a new licensing agreement to make UMG content available to Audiomack subscribers across Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada. This expands on a previously signed licensing agreement between Audiomack and UMG for the U.S.



With this new expansive agreement, a curated selection of UMG content is now available for Audiomack users in 16 African countries (Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), as well as the U.K. and Canada. UMG will also provide Audiomack a full catalog offering for its premium subscribers in Africa.


The Co-Founder, Audiomack, Dave Macli, said: “Millions of listeners across Africa, the UK, and Canada use Audiomack every day. Our expanded partnership with UMG helps artists in these regions better connect with their local fans and helps artists around the globe tap into a new audience of discovery-focused music fans.”


The CEO, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini, noted, “We are excited for more fans across Africa and beyond to have greater access to some of Africa’s most exciting musical talent, as well as UMG’s unrivalled catalog of international superstars and releases. We welcome Audiomack as a partner and look forward to working with them to help strengthen the entire streaming ecosystem in Africa.”


The Managing Director, Universal Music Africa, Frank Kacou, stated, “Working with Audiomack will enable our artists from across the continent to reach wider across both French-speaking Africa and beyond, as well as to build their audiences across Canada, the UK and US. We are excited for the future development of streaming across the continent and to finding great new ways to collaborate together with the team at Audiomack.”

[GIST] UPDATE: Nigerian Soldiers Begin Search For Divisional Police Officer Abducted By Terrorists In Kaduna

[GIST] UPDATE: Nigerian Soldiers Begin Search For Divisional Police Officer Abducted By Terrorists In Kaduna

All Content

Troops of the Nigerian Army have launched a search-and-rescue mission for a Divisional Police Officer, Gyadi Gyadi, in Pambegua, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who was abducted by terrorists.

SaharaReporters had reported that the Chief Superintendent of Police was kidnapped on Monday morning along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.

He was said to have run into the gunmen in a community “called Korna Ruwa and was whisked away to an unknown location.”

Military sources on Monday night told SaharaReporters that soldiers were combing the area and would leave no stone unturned to rescue the senior police officer.

“Our guys are in the bush now looking to see maybe he can be rescued. We got a distress call that a man going to Birnin Gwari was abducted by gunmen, it was when we arrived at where his car was parked that we realised he is a senior police officer,” a top army officer told SaharaReporters.

Gyadi’s abduction comes a few days after the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government of Nasarawa State, CSP Haruna Abdulmalik, was abducted by terrorists.

In recent months, Kaduna has witnessed a spate of violent attacks which has led to killings and abduction of residents.

On March 28, a Kaduna-bound train was attacked by gunmen, which led to the death of eight people and the abduction of several others.

Some of the abducted people are currently in the custody of the gunmen.

Days after the train attack, 11 soldiers were killed in an attack by gunmen on a military base in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

Military News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] Sterling Bank Worker Allegedly Flees In Delta After Using Several Customers’ Savings For 'Business'

[GIST] Sterling Bank Worker Allegedly Flees In Delta After Using Several Customers’ Savings For 'Business'

All Content

The police in Delta State are investigating a staff of Sterling bank Effurun branch, identified as Mrs. Favour Fame-Eruagbere, who allegedly defrauded customers of the bank of the sum of N300million.

The female bank worker was said to have approached some account owners to grant her permission to be using their money for business, while she would be giving the customer a certain percentage every month.

It was discovered last week by one of the customers, that the woman stopped coming to work and an attempt to reach her on phone was not successful as her lines were switched off.

On getting to her house around Living Faith Church at water resources, Effurun, where she lived, it was alleged that she had also absconded.

One of the bank workers and Favour’s colleagues, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said the female banker did business with customers' money with their consent.

"The whole thing backfired when many people she gave money to, refused to pay back. I think the lady didn't run away with the money, but she is only being owed by those she gave the money to.

"She is nowhere to be find, nobody knows her whereabouts, whether she has travelled out, dead or still alive.

"In fact, the office is in crisis, as many people might be sanctioned because of the issue especially the operators who carried out the transactions for her," the source said.

SaharaReporters learnt that the police operatives at the 'A' division in Warri were the ones investigating the matter, and the husband of the banker had been invited for questioning.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the State, DSP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident.

The Police spokesman said the suspect had not been declared wanted, because there was a process for declaring someone wanted.

"Investigation is ongoing," he said.

CRIME News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Residents, Kidnap Two Others In Enugu Community After Police Commissioner, Army Chief Visited, Made ‘Empty Promises’

[GIST] Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Residents, Kidnap Two Others In Enugu Community After Police Commissioner, Army Chief Visited, Made ‘Empty Promises’

All Content

Displaced residents of Ogbete-Mgbuji Community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have raised the alarm that Fulani militia continued to unleash terror on the community despite promises from the heads of security agencies in the state.
The residents told SaharaReporters that barely 11 days after the Commissioner of Police, alongside other heads of security agencies visited the community, three more people were killed while two others were kidnapped for ransom.

Lamenting that the Fulani militias had made life miserable for them, the residents, noted that they had been denied access to their farms, even to harvest their cassava and other crops.

SaharaReporters had reported that Fulani herdsmen had been invading the community since late last year, killing people and kidnapping for ransom.
Early this month, the bandits killed no fewer than eight residents in their houses, burnt hundreds of houses and sacked 14 farm settlements with over 3000 inhabitants who are now displaced.
Following SaharaReporters’ stories, the heads of security agencies in the state had on Friday, June 17, 2022 visited the troubled community where they promised to provide adequate security for them having had firsthand information about the situation.
However, 11 days after security was promised to the troubled community, herdsmen were still having a field day with their terror attacks.
The spokesman of the community, Elder Kingly Ogenyi, told SaharaReporters on Monday that since the visit of the security Chiefs, three more people had been killed while two were kidnapped which the community paid millions to secure their release.
Ogenyi said, "On Friday, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abubakar Lawal, alongside the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), H. M. Daluwa; the Commander, 82 Division Garrison Command of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Brig. Gen. M. K. Ibrahim; Commander, 553 Services Base Group of the Nigerian Air Force Enugu, Air Commodore I. A. Taiwo, and other Senior Police Officers visited our community.
"While addressing our community the Police Commissioner, told our people that they (security agencies) now understood the situation and they were going to take action immediately. That the governor had given them a matching order to bring everything they have to make sure the killings stopped.
"He promised that they are going to bring their men and equipment the following day being Saturday, 18th of June, 2022. That they are going to mount checkpoints in the settlements. That they are going to bring machines to monitor all the settlements to ensure that nothing happened again, that the end had come.
"Regrettably, as I am talking to you nothing has happened. No single security personnel in our community. As I am talking to no single person living in the settlements, they have abandoned everything including food, no chance to harvest cassava; let alone cultivating new crops."
"The security chiefs just came for show. About two days after their visit, they (Fulani militias) kidnapped people which we paid ransom before they were released. The worst is that nobody goes to the settlement again to farm or even harvest cassava. The displaced people are selling their clothes to eat. There was no form of assistance from anywhere. The situation of our people is terrible."

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaHARAREPORTERS, New York Disable advertisements : 
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)