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How to avert planned protest, Kano Muslim scholars advise Tinubu

Published

2 years ago

July 20, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

How to avert planned protest, Kano Muslim scholars advise Tinubu

The Coalition of Ulama and Islamic Organisations in Kano State has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government and state governments to urgently introduce emergency youth skills training, empowerment and support programmes to check street protests in the country.

The Convener of the Coalition, Dr Saidu Dukawa, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano Saturday.

Dr Dukawa said such programmes would enable the youths to become self reliant and take their minds off street protests.

According to him, the Coalition decried street protests, unrests and anarchy and called for prayers for peace to prevail in the country.

He said the Coalition held a meeting and reviewed the state of the nation with particular reference to the prevailing hardships largely caused by hyper inflation in the country.

During the meeting, he said, the Islamic scholars noted the unstable and excessive rise in costs of basic foodstuff and excruciating poverty,and urged Governments to address the situation.

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“The apparent excuse of those canvassing the street protests is the unprecedented inflation, poverty and hunger in the land that have become life threatening since the removal of subsidy on fuel, and the floating of the national currency that has given Governments at all levels a huge pool of local currency, the Naira, unfortunately only used for short term palliatives,” the Coalition observed.

It said the calls for mass protests by some faceless groups lacked clear roadmap and had caused anxiety among the populace, such that many religious leaders and scholars have had to issue rulings and Fatwas in their sermons and lectures disseminated on both social and conventional media.

The Coalition then noted what it termed as “the unprecedented deterioration of societal norms and the near total lack of discipline among families” which it said, is largely caused by the prevailing abject poverty that denies parents the control needed for guiding and disciplining their wards.

It said the situation is the main cause of rising criminal activities including hitherto unknown violent crimes in the country.

The Coalition called on Leaders of Governments at all levels to fear Allah, reminding them of the Day of Judgement when they would account for their stewardship on earth.

How to avert planned protest, Kano Muslim scholars advise Tinubu

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Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

Published

44 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, has secured convictions against a husband and wife for selling their children for monetary gain in Calabar. The couple, Esther Ini Udo (32) and Eyo Stephen Udo (34), were sentenced to 15 years in prison each and fined ₦2 million, following a four-count charge for child trafficking and exploitation.

The Federal High Court, Calabar heard that Esther sold her newborn baby to a trafficker, Oluchi Judith (at large), for ₦300,000, while the couple also bought a one-year-old baby from accomplices, Blessing and Uduak, for ₦150,000 and resold the child to the same trafficker for ₦400,000. The court strongly condemned the actions, describing them as a gross violation of child rights and anti-trafficking laws.

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Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, but the court found them guilty on all counts. Justice I. Ojukwu, presiding over the case (Suit No: FHC/CA/19C/2025), sentenced Esther and Eyo Stephen to 15-year jail terms, to run concurrently from April 1, 2026, the date of judgment.

The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest Oluchi Judith, who is wanted in connection with this and other human trafficking cases. Authorities emphasize that child trafficking remains a serious offense in Nigeria, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to dismantle networks involved in the sale and exploitation of infants and toddlers.

NAPTIP hailed the convictions as a significant victory against human trafficking, urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children. Officials stressed that such harsh sentences serve as a deterrent to traffickers and perpetrators of child exploitation across the country.

Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

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IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

Published

51 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered a large-scale deployment of security personnel to Plateau State following deadly attacks in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed multiple residents in Angwan Rukuba over the weekend.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic and unacceptable. He extended condolences to the Plateau State Government, victims’ families, and residents, and stressed the urgent need to restore peace in the affected areas.

As part of the response, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, was deployed to Plateau State to coordinate security efforts and assess the situation firsthand. The IGP also directed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities.

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The deployment includes Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams, and intelligence operatives, working alongside other security agencies to restore order, prevent further violence, and apprehend perpetrators. Authorities have warned residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activities, discouraging any vigilante actions.

Following the attacks, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos North to contain unrest and enable security operations. Although partially relaxed to daytime hours, tensions remain as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

President Bola Tinubu postponed a scheduled trip to Ogun State to visit Jos, offering condolences and emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to supporting security measures. Meanwhile, the Senate has directed the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of justice and stability in the state.

Efforts to identify and arrest the attackers are ongoing, with law enforcement initiating a manhunt for suspects and making arrests in connection with the killings. Security agencies continue to work to restore calm and ensure the safety of Plateau residents.

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Published

56 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the controversial installation of an “Igwe Ndigbo na East London” in East London, South Africa, stating that the title is not recognised and lacks legal backing. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group clarified that the purported installation “only amounts to a mere nominal observance” and has no legitimacy under Igbo traditions or laws.

The organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, expressed concern over reports of violence and unrest triggered by the coronation. He condemned attacks on innocent persons and the destruction of property, urging South African authorities to take swift action to restore law and order. “We express deep concern over the resulting disturbances, condemn the unwarranted attacks on innocent persons and destruction of property and call on relevant authorities to take necessary steps to prevent further escalation,” the statement read.

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The unrest in East London escalated after protests against the alleged coronation, with demonstrators reportedly torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals. Video footage circulating on social media showed several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners set ablaze, prompting increased security measures to restore calm.

Ohanaeze stressed that the Igbo are globally known for their peaceful disposition, enterprise, and respect for host country laws. The organisation dissociated itself from any actions that contravene local customs or disrupt public peace. It further noted that, consistent with the position of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, the conferment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside Igboland is not recognised.

The group advised Igbo communities in the diaspora to adopt non-kingship titles like “Onyendu” for internal coordination to prevent misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Ohanaeze also appealed to all parties involved to exercise calm, mutual respect, and constructive engagement while urging the South African government and citizens to uphold peaceful coexistence.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has also clarified that the gathering was intended as a cultural event to promote Igbo heritage, not an official coronation, and warned Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious, respect local laws, and avoid public unrest.