Why Abuja-Kaduna train victims still in captivity, by ex-negotiator – Newstrends
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Why Abuja-Kaduna train victims still in captivity, by ex-negotiator

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3 years ago

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Passengers abducted on train

The federal government’s lack of commitment is responsible for the continued detention of victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnap, the ex-negotiator, Tukur Mamu, said yesterday.

Mamu, who spoke during a live interview on Arise Television, also blamed the lack of support, commitment from the government for his withdrawal as the lead negotiator about two weeks ago.

According to him, if the government was committed to the cause, it would have taken barely two or three days for all the victims  kidnapped in March to be released.

The publisher who played a key role in the release of the first 11 victims denied knowledge that ransom was paid to the terrorists, adding that they (government) adopted a “give and take” approach.

Mamu said there was no military solution to rescuing the victims.

“Government needs to do so much, I believe if they understand the reality, it is something that can be contained with government’s support,” he said.

“The outcome is not yielding positive result from the side of the government. If you can remember, I was involved actively in negotiation of the first 11 victims, that time there was so much cooperation from the government and it took us less than six days to negotiate and then release these first 11.

“After the release of the first 11, maybe the inability to understand how to go about the crisis and heed to advise, I think, caused the delay in getting to the root of the matter. No matter how you look at this situation, you have to understand that the lives of innocent people are involved and we are dealing with people who do not value the sanctity of human life…

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“You will agree with me that if this situation has any military solution, it would have been resolved in the past four months.

“No matter how you try to put in your best, at the end of the day you will just get frustrated and that informs my reason to withdraw because my participation is voluntary. It is the passengers, maybe based on what they saw that we have demonstrated over the few months with Sheik Gumi to seek solution to these banditry, kidnapping…

“They suggested that I should be helpful in getting this and I took that decision to accept it on the human angle since they have that confidence and if you talk to them, at least, they make some positions as to what they should do…

“There is nothing that cannot be done within this long period of over four months as a government.  I have announced my withdrawal from engaging with these troops because I have my reasons, when you’re doing something as an army of one, even if you will succeed it will be very little.

“A situation where there is no support from the government, no appreciation, a situation whereby you are also being threatened in one way or the other, I think the best way in a corrupt system like Nigeria, it will be very dangerous for me to continue this.”

On how they were able to secure the release of the first 11, he said: “We achieved that through dialogue, through negotiation and through the spirit of give and take.”

Asked to clarify what he meant by “give and thank”, Mamu directed the interviewers to the government and military, adding that “they know exactly what happened and how we succeeded in freeing those first 11 hostages.

“Already, you know, I am under serious pressure from most of them because they think that the little we are doing, shows the incapacity of the military, which is not so.

“We are not criticising the military. We are only advising them that this is the right step to take, especially in this very difficult and unpredictable situation.”

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No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn

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7 hours ago

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March 28, 2025

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No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn

There will be no Sallah Durbar celebrations in Kano during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities, the state police command has said.

It cited security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest as reasons for the ban announced on Friday ahead of the end of Ramadan fast festival holding on Sunday or Monday.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

He said intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.

“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.

“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”

The Police Commissioner emphasized that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.

The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.

Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoiding carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion., no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.

He further warned that anyone caught violating these directives would face legal consequences.

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We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

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17 hours ago

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March 28, 2025

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Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured Muslims in the state that he has no objections to the operation of Sharia panels, emphasizing that individuals are free to seek dispute resolution through them if they so wish.

Speaking at the 2025 Iftar event organized by the state government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde clarified that he has no plans to challenge the legality of Sharia courts in the state. His comments were conveyed in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Earlier in the week, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, had confirmed that a Sharia panel had already been established in Oyo town and had begun sittings. This led to renewed discussions regarding the panel’s constitutionality.

In response, Makinde reiterated his stance that the Constitution remains the supreme authority in all legal matters while acknowledging the role of Sharia panels in alternative dispute resolution.

“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” the governor stated. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”

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Makinde explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Sharia panel, could ease the burden on the courts, provided they do not conflict with constitutional provisions.

He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state, cautioning against attempts to use religion for political gains.

“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he said.

The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim community for their support and prayers, acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, lawmakers, and security agencies in fostering peace and development in Oyo State.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi), and other key figures from the judiciary and legislative arms of government.

We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

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EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud

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17 hours ago

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March 28, 2025

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EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud

Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one Christian Taylor were on Thursday rearraigned for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud before Justice Mojisola Dadap of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They were re-arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 57-count charge, following new findings in the case.

The defendants had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.

At the scheduled trial for the adoption of final written addresses on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Seiduh Atteh, informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.

There was no objection from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, SAN.

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Consequently, the court granted the request.

The defendants, thereafter, pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charges preferred against them.

In the amended charge, the defendants, as well as Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, who are both at large, allegedly “fraudulently obtained money from the Federal Government on or about September 9, 2011.”

The defendants also allegedly forged a document titled: “ GASOLINE ANALYSIS” on board MT Overseas Limar, purportedly issued by Saybolt Concremat on the said date.

Following the re-arraignment, Kolade requested time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.

Justice Dada directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.

The case was adjourned till April 15, 2025 for the adoption of final written addresses.

EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud

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