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Atiku knocks EFCC Over detention of ex-lawmaker

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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Atiku knocks EFCC Over detention of ex-lawmaker

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for detaining Muhammad Gudaji Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives, without formally charging him in court.

Reports indicate that Kazaure, known for his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, responded to an invitation by the EFCC in Kano. However, upon appearing at the commission’s office, he was taken into custody and transported to Abuja on Wednesday.

Kazaure previously served as the representative for Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi federal constituency from 2015 to 2023. Though a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he has not shied away from raising concerns on issues such as national security and allegations of corruption, including those involving former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.

In December 2022, the Central Bank refuted Kazaure’s claims that N89.09 trillion in stamp duty revenues had been diverted and that Emefiele allegedly kept $171 billion in a private account tied to stamp duty proceeds.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku described the EFCC’s handling of Kazaure’s case as part of a disturbing trend of authoritarianism and disregard for legal norms.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions.

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“We witnessed this same abuse in the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, whose release was only secured after massive public outrage and pressure.

“Now, the EFCC has targeted Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives and an unapologetic critic of the gross misgovernance and failings of the Tinubu administration. Abducted in Kano and whisked away to Abuja, Kazaure is presently being held incommunicado, with no formal charge or explanation offered to his family, legal team, or the Nigerian people.

“Let it be stated without equivocation: even if there were legitimate grounds for arresting any citizen, such action must adhere strictly to the rule of law. The EFCC is duty-bound to publicly disclose the reasons for any arrest and must not detain individuals indefinitely under the guise of investigation. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unequivocal on this matter—every detainee must be promptly charged to court or released.

“By once again trampling on the fundamental rights of a Nigerian citizen, the EFCC is entrenching itself deeper into the mire of impunity and constitutional delinquency. Its deafening silence regarding the arrest of Hon. Kazaure, a man who represented the good people of Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi federal constituency, lays bare the agency’s contempt for transparency and justice.

“We are left with no choice but to conclude that Kazaure’s ordeal is a direct consequence of his fearless and unrelenting criticism of this administration. This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cosy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics.”

As of press time, the EFCC has not issued a public statement regarding the circumstances surrounding Kazaure’s arrest or continued detention.

Atiku knocks EFCC Over detention of ex-lawmaker

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Four Dead, Four Injured In Truck–Korope Crash In Ajah Area Of Lagos

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Four Dead, Four Injured In Truck–Korope Crash In Ajah Area Of Lagos

Four Dead, Four Injured In Truck–Korope Crash In Ajah Area Of Lagos

At least four passengers have died and four others sustained serious injuries in a road accident along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the fatal crash occurred opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, along the busy highway linking the Lekki corridor to Epe.

In a statement, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the accident involved a HOWO articulated truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a Suzuki commercial minibus popularly known as “Korope.”

According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the truck driver lost control while moving, veered across the carriageway and rammed into the oncoming commercial minibus, which was fully loaded with passengers.

“The catastrophic impact caused the immediate death of four male passengers,” Bakare-Oki said.

He added that four other occupants — two men and two women — sustained severe fractures after becoming trapped in the mangled wreckage of the minibus.

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Officials said LASTMA personnel swiftly mobilised to the crash scene, working alongside other emergency responders and passers-by to rescue the injured victims trapped inside the damaged vehicle.

The injured passengers were subsequently taken to Hamon Royal Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Bakare-Oki said the remains of the four deceased passengers were evacuated by an ambulance from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and deposited at the morgue of Shency Hospital.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force were also deployed to the area to maintain order and facilitate traffic control as emergency operations continued.

According to the LASTMA boss, the truck driver and his motor boy fled the scene immediately after the crash, prompting authorities to begin efforts to track them down.

The incident caused temporary traffic disruption along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, one of the busiest roads in Lagos, which has witnessed several accidents in recent years due to speeding, heavy truck movement and rapid development along the Lekki corridor.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists, especially articulated vehicle drivers, to exercise caution, comply with traffic regulations and adopt responsible driving habits to prevent avoidable road tragedies.

Emergency officials later cleared the wreckage from the highway to restore normal traffic flow while investigations into the crash continue.

(NAN)

Four Dead, Four Injured In Truck–Korope Crash In Ajah Area Of Lagos

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Students expelled as police probe viral assault at Igbinedion School

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Students expelled as police probe viral assault at Igbinedion School

 

The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a violent bullying incident involving students of Igbinedion Secondary School.

The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows two students repeatedly beating, kicking and dragging a younger boy believed to be in a junior class across the floor.

During the assault, one of the attackers was seen using a belt to flog the victim, while another stomped on the boy’s chest as he cried out in pain.

The victim could be heard screaming while another student, who appeared to be recording the incident, pleaded with the attackers to stop.

The motive behind the assault has not yet been established.

Reacting to the incident on Sunday, the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, said the police were aware of the disturbing video and had commenced steps to investigate the matter.

She said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, had directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to immediately visit the school and begin a thorough inquiry.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to proceed to the school and commence a detailed inquiry into the matter,” Ikoedem said.

She noted that although the school authorities had taken disciplinary action, the police would still carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to her, the management of the school informed the police that the students involved in the bullying had already been expelled.

The command condemned all forms of bullying, violence and intimidation among students, warning that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law and in line with their ages.

Ikoedem also urged members of the public to remain calm and assist the police with credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.

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Five Sunnah Acts Muslims Should Observe on Eid al-Fitr

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Five Sunnah Acts Muslims Should Observe on Eid al-Fitr

Five Sunnah Acts Muslims Should Observe on Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of the blessed month of Ramadan for Muslims worldwide. After weeks of fasting, reflection, and devotion, Eid is a day of celebration, gratitude, and communal joy. Beyond festive meals, new clothing, and visits with family and friends, Eid carries significant religious meaning, with certain practices recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ensure the day is observed mindfully. These practices, known as Sunnah, guide Muslims in combining spirituality, gratitude, and social connection.

Here are five Sunnah acts recommended for Eid day, enhanced with additional insights from authentic Islamic sources:


1. Take a Bath (Ghusl) Before Eid Prayer

On Eid morning, it is Sunnah to perform Ghusl, a ritual bath, before heading out for the Eid prayer. This act of cleanliness symbolizes physical purification and spiritual readiness for the special day.

Islamic scholars note that just as Muslims prepare for Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, Eid requires similar attention to personal hygiene. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized presenting oneself in a clean and pleasant state, reflecting respect for the day and the communal worship it entails.

Reference: Narrations in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sahih Muslim highlight the Prophet ﷺ’s practice of bathing before Eid prayers.

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2. Wear Clean or New Clothes

Another Sunnah practice is to wear clean and presentable clothes for Eid. While wearing new garments is recommended if financially feasible, it is not obligatory. The focus is on neatness, modesty, and expressing the joy of the occasion.

Dressing well for Eid symbolizes gratitude to Allah and reflects the celebratory nature of the day. Traditionally, Muslims would wear their best available clothing to the Eid prayer to honor the communal gathering and the blessings of the month.


3. Eat Before Eid Prayer (for Eid al-Fitr)

For Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat a small meal before attending the Eid prayer. The Prophet ﷺ reportedly ate dates or a small portion of food before leaving home. This practice serves as a marker for the conclusion of Ramadan fasting and allows believers to begin the day in a state of nourishment and spiritual reflection.

It is important to note that for Eid al-Adha, the Sunnah differs: the Eid prayer is offered on an empty stomach, with the sacrificial feast taking place afterward.


4. Recite the Eid Takbeer

The Takbeer (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar… La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar wa Lillah al-Hamd) is a declaration glorifying Allah, recited from the night before Eid until the conclusion of the Eid prayer.

Muslims often recite the Takbeer while traveling to the mosque or during personal devotion at home. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s greatness and reinforces the spiritual purpose behind the Eid celebrations.

Reference: Scholars in Fiqh al-Sunnah recommend the Takbeer for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, emphasizing its communal and spiritual significance.


5. Greet Others and Spread Joy

Eid is a time for strengthening bonds, kindness, and community cohesion. Muslims are encouraged to greet one another with phrases such as “Eid Mubarak” and to visit family, friends, and neighbours.

Sharing in the happiness of the day, giving gifts, and checking on vulnerable community members are all considered Sunnah practices that enhance the communal spirit and reflect the Prophet’s teachings on compassion and unity.

Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: “The one who greets and shakes hands spreads peace and love among the community.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)


A Day of Gratitude and Reflection

Eid is more than festivity; it is a day of gratitude. Muslims thank Allah for granting the strength to complete Ramadan, for the blessings received, and for the opportunity to grow spiritually. Observing these Sunnah acts transforms Eid from a social celebration into a spiritually enriching day, balancing devotion, generosity, and community engagement.

By performing the Sunnah of bathing, wearing clean clothes, eating before prayer, reciting the Takbeer, and greeting others, Muslims begin Eid with mindfulness, gratitude, and a sense of shared joy.

Five Sunnah Acts Muslims Should Observe on Eid al-Fitr

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