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Colleagues, associates battle to save journalist from cancer
Colleagues and associates of an Abuja-based journalist, Ronald Mutum, are battling to save him from cancer.
Life seemed normal for Mutum until two years ago, when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and his world came crashing down.
Despite his struggle with the ailment, he lost his job and started battling with medical bills.
This is in addition to his responsibilities to his wife, Angel, and three children: Caroline 5, Ronald Jnr 3 and Nathan 2.
Mutum has spent the last two years undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, but now requires treatment outside Nigeria to stay alive.
His former colleague at Daily Trust, who now lives in Boston, United States of America, Francis Okeke, initiated a fundraiser for Mutum recently.
Okeke explained that at the behest of oncology consultants in Nigeria, further treatment is recommended at better equipped hospitals in India and Ronald cannot afford the cost.
“Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) is the proposed estimate to cater for the next stage of treatment in India,” Okeke said.
A breakdown of the overall cost shows that PET/CT scan and baseline investigations, including PDL 1/molecular/genomic testing, amount to $2,000.
He would undergo four bi-weekly immunotherapy courses at $3,500 per course, amounting to $14,000.
A re-evaluation with PET/CT scan will cost $650, with the cost of surgery standing at an estimated $13,900.
“The above does not include travel costs for Ronald and Angel his caregiver, who would accompany him. Ronald and Angel have been married for over five years,” Okeke explained.
Recalling his close ties with Ronald while he worked with Daily Trust, Okeke stated, “As a security, defence and financial crime correspondent, he demonstrated profound commitment to investigating, reporting and exposing sleaze in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.”
As of Friday, the fundraiser had generated $3,529 out of the $40,000 needed for the medical bills.
Back in Nigeria, colleagues, friends and associates of Mutum have also set up a WhatsApp group, “Save Ronald Mutum” with 197 participants to raise some funds for him.
Molly Kilete of The Sun Newspaper, who initiated the group, said she was touched by his condition and summoned a meeting where the fundraiser platform was set up.
Kilete said she covered the Defence beat with Mutum and if it were to be someone else in need of help, Mutum would have done the same.
“Ronald is nice and intelligent. He makes friends very easily and takes people’s burden like his own. He is an easy-going guy, but unfortunately this has happened and in the course of the crisis, he lost his job and this was why I mobilised one or two people for a meeting,” she said.
When contacted, Mutum’s family declined comment, but Mutum gave his consent for the fundraiser.
His former colleague at Daily Trust, Victoria Bamas, said Mutum’s condition made her realise that in Nigeria, unless you are in the top wealthy position, you are one sickness away from being absolutely broke even after working for decades in what is considered a middle-income level.
“It goes to show that more needs to be done about our health system,” she said.
His associate and former colleague, Daniel Adugbo, said he felt pained and devastated when he recently learnt that Mutum had been diagnosed with cancer.
Adugbo called on Nigerians to rally round Mutum to raise the funds needed for his treatment.
“My prayers are with him and as a friend/colleague, I will support him financially. Ronald or Mutumina, as I teasingly call him, is a great guy and a professional. I wish I could afford all the costs for his treatment. I believe that God would make a way for him to get the treatment, get well and finish the race of life. He still has a lot to offer to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria,” Adugbo said.
Interested donors to send their donations to Iremide Adepegba 2023159835 UBA
-Trust
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Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) possesses detailed intelligence on terrorists and armed bandits, including their names and locations, underscoring the government’s awareness of insurgent activities across the country. The statement was made during a recent interview with DRTV, which quickly trended on social media, sparking national discussion about Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.
Gumi was responding to claims that he personally maintains contact with terrorist and bandit leaders responsible for attacks and kidnappings in northern Nigeria. He clarified that his engagements with armed groups are never conducted alone, but always in coordination with security agencies, including the police and military.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location,” Gumi said. “I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies.” He also revealed that some negotiation efforts involved visits to traditional rulers and trips into forested areas believed to be hideouts for armed groups. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.
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Gumi’s Role in Dialogue and Negotiation
Gumi, a former army captain and respected Islamic cleric, has participated in several dialogue initiatives with armed groups, including Boko Haram factions and bandit networks, advocating for negotiation as a means to reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their arms. He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains a vital component of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in areas where military operations alone have struggled to restore stability.
The cleric’s comments have reignited debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies. While some analysts say Gumi’s claims highlight the wealth of intelligence available to the government, critics question why insurgent activity continues despite this knowledge. Many Nigerians on social media expressed concerns over the implementation of intelligence and the apparent inability to fully neutralize armed groups.
Public Reactions and Security Implications
Reactions to Gumi’s statements were mixed. Supporters argue that his involvement is crucial for mediating conflict and reducing bloodshed, while critics worry that such negotiations could legitimize criminals and undermine military efforts. Similar assertions by regional leaders in the past have also prompted debate about how intelligence and security operations are coordinated across Nigeria’s troubled regions.
As of now, the Federal Government and security agencies have not officially confirmed or refuted Gumi’s claims, leaving the interview as a focal point in ongoing discussions about national security, counter-insurgency strategy, and intelligence deployment.
Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
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Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
The family of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who died after a student prank went wrong, has called on authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against the teenagers involved.
Hughes, 40, a mathematics teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia, died on Friday, March 6, after he was accidentally run over during a prank outside his home.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a group of students had gone to the teacher’s residence to carry out a prank commonly known as “toilet papering” or “rolling”, where trees and yards are covered with toilet paper.
Investigators said the students attempted to leave the area in two vehicles when Hughes came outside after noticing the prank.
Because it had been raining, Hughes reportedly slipped while moving toward the students and fell into the road.
Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving one of the vehicles when Hughes fell into the roadway and was struck as the car drove away.
The teenagers stopped immediately and attempted to help the teacher before emergency responders arrived. Hughes was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
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Following the incident, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering, while the four other teenagers involved were charged with criminal trespass and littering.
Despite the charges, Hughes’ family has publicly appealed for leniency, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.
In a statement to NBC News, the family revealed that Hughes had actually been aware that students planned to prank him and had been looking forward to catching them in the act.
They explained that the teacher slipped on the wet ground and fell into the street moments before the vehicle passed.
According to the family, Hughes had a deep connection with his students and dedicated much of his life to supporting them.
“He loved these kids, and they loved him too,” the family said, adding that they support dropping the charges against all the students involved.
“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring by ruining the lives of these students. That would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of young people,” the statement read.
The family also asked the public to pray for both their family and the students involved.
“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” they said.
Hughes’ brother, Richard Hughes, described him as an exceptional person and mentor.
“He was my mentor and someone I looked up to. It’s just tragic and sad all around,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Darragh said the case is still under investigation and it is too early to determine whether the charges will proceed.
“It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case,” Darragh said.
Authorities say the Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about student pranks, school safety, and how seemingly harmless acts can quickly lead to devastating consequences.
Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
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Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey, has appealed to authorities to release her husband, Richard Adjei, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for domestic violence.
Priscilla made the emotional appeal during an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, explaining that she never intended for the situation to lead to such a lengthy jail term. According to her, she initially reported her husband to the police only to warn and deter him from further abuse, not to have him imprisoned.
Priscilla recounted that the incident occurred after her husband allegedly assaulted her during a domestic dispute. She said she reported the matter to the police after the attack. However, when officers came to their home to arrest him, he was not around.
When Richard later returned and discovered she had reported him to the police, he allegedly became angry and assaulted her again.
“On the day my husband was arrested, he assaulted me, and I went to report him to the police. When the police came to arrest him, he was not home. When he came back, he beat me again for reporting him,” she said.
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According to Priscilla, her aunt, who was angered by the renewed violence, reported the matter to the police again, which eventually led to Richard’s arrest and prosecution. The court later found him guilty and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for domestic assault.
Despite the conviction, Priscilla says she now regrets how events unfolded and wants her husband released. The pregnant woman explained that she currently has no family support, as both her family and her husband’s relatives have allegedly turned their backs on her.
She added that she needs her husband’s help to take care of their unborn child and support the household financially.
“At least if Richard were here, he would have worked to take care of us. Please help me get him released,” she pleaded.
Priscilla also stressed that she never expected the police report to result in a prison sentence.
Priscilla and Richard have been married for two years, and the case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in Ghana, where economic dependence and family pressures often complicate such cases.
Legal experts say once a domestic violence case is prosecuted in court, it becomes a criminal matter handled by the state, meaning the victim cannot automatically withdraw the case even if reconciliation is later sought.
Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger support systems for domestic violence victims, including financial assistance, counselling, and shelters.
It remains unclear whether Richard’s sentence could be reviewed, as any release would likely depend on legal processes such as an appeal, presidential pardon, or court review.
Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
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