News

Kano govt vows to fish out, punish masterminds of destructions

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2024

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf

Kano govt vows to fish out, punish masterminds of destructions

The Kano State Government has vowed to bring to book the masterminds behind the violence and destructions that marred the end of #EndBadGovernance protests in the state.

This is as Governor Abba Yusuf and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state yesterday accused each other of instigating the violence that erupted during protests.Also, the state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has detained 108 suspects allegedly involved in vandalising government and public properties during the nationwide protests in the state.

The protests in the state had turned violent as hoodlums used the opportunity to loot public and private properties, a situation that compelled the government under Governor Abba Yusuf to declare a 24-hour curfew in the state to restore normalcy.The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made this known in an interview with the BBC Hausa monitored in Kano.

Gwarzo said some politicians with sinister motives allegedly sponsored the unfortunate incident to destroy the state.

According to him, “The government had credible intelligence and evidence that the politicians sponsored the incidents, and we are working diligently to ensure the masterminds and their foot soldiers who perpetrated the heinous acts are brought to justice. The government will not rest on its oars until all the masterminds and perpetrators are brought to book.“Security agents have embarked on house-to-house search operations, and have recovered 40 to 50 per cent of the stolen items such as computers among others. We commend the people who cooperated and provided credible information on the looted properties leading to the recoveries. We call on parents not to accommodate stolen items in their houses.

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of the state to be patient and continue to obey the law and order as the government is working hard to ensure the situation improves.“The curfew will continue as security personnel monitor the situation. They will advise on the next steps. When they are convinced that the situation has improved, they will recommend relaxing the curfew.

“We also call on parents to take responsibility for their children. Stop your children from participating in these kinds of bad acts that lead to regret,” Gwarzo said.

READ ALSO:

Meanwhile, the opposition APC in the state and Governor Yusuf yesterday accused each other of instigating the violence that erupted in the state.

In a live broadcast, Governor Yusuf accused the APC of sponsoring thugs and hoodlums who hijacked the protests in the state.“Yesterday, protesters gathered at the Government House as promised, and security operatives welcomed them without any issues. They were waiting for the governor to address them when suddenly, buses carrying thugs arrived, and violence erupted.

“We are aware that unpatriotic politicians from the opposition party have sponsored thugs, who are on rampage, looting and destroying properties of innocent citizens,” the governor stated.In a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the governor expressed regret that certain individuals, referred to as ‘enemies of the state’, had allegedly hired thugs from within and neighbouring states to infiltrate and disrupt the planned peaceful protest, resulting in chaos and unrest in a state previously known for its tranquility.

However, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas and the Director General of the Tinubu/Gawuna Campaign Council, Alhaji Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, in a statement, also condemned the violence in the state.They, however, noted that the extension of an open invitation to protesters to the Government House coupled with his careless comments, which undermined the authority of the police in the state, encouraged arson and looting in the wake of the protests.

“Violence unleashed in Kano on Thursday is to be blamed on the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP government and some opposition figures.”

Abbas added that it was undiplomatic for a sitting governor to openly attack the police authority, which has been rendering its duties based on constitutional provisions.He stated that being an opposition state, politics largely played a part in the governor’s decision to exploit the situation to its advantage.

READ ALSO:

However, the Command of the NSCDC has said it detained 108 suspects allegedly involved in vandalising government and public properties during the nationwide protests in the state.The state Commandant of the corps, Mohammed Lawal-Falala, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Kano.

He said the suspects were apprehended at different locations with various items found in their possession, following credible intelligence from men of the NSCDC’s intelligence and investigation departments.According to him, some of the suspects were from neighbouring states while some were Nigeriens.

The commandant said the NSCDC was the leading agency responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in the country.

“We have been working assiduously to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen properties,” Lawal-Falala said.

He said that the suspects allegedly vandalised and looted facilities at the soon-to-be-inaugurated Digital Industrial Park, belonging to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).The commandant further said some of the items recovered from the suspects included: LCD TVs, executive chairs, door and window frames as well as drawers.

He listed the other items to include: State Road dual carriageway iron demarcating shields and a 50 KVA Mikano Generator for streetlight at Dorayi Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area.He said the suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of an investigation.

“I want to restate my stance that the NSCDC Kano command under my watch is committed to protecting lives and property in the state,” Lawal-Falala said.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with the corps by providing credible information to enable it to achieve the mandate of securing a safer and secure environment.The commandant warned scrap buyers to avoid buying stolen properties, adding that the corps was working with sister security agencies and other key stakeholders to recover all stolen properties during the protests.

Kano govt vows to fish out, punish masterminds of destructions

Related Topics:destructions Kano protest

Up Next

Protest disrupts fuel loading at Lagos ports

Don't Miss

CSOs condemn disruption of Internet during hunger protest

News

Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka

Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued four passengers abducted along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in the early hours of March 5, 2026, following a swift and coordinated security operation. The incident occurred when armed hoodlums emerged from nearby bushland and blocked a commercial bus, forcefully taking four passengers into the surrounding forests.

Upon receiving reports of the abduction, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officers in Igbeti and Kishi, alongside tactical units and security stakeholders, to deploy all operational resources for a rescue mission.

A joint security team comprising Oyo Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security agencies conducted intensive bush combing operations in the forests surrounding the area. The sustained operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee, allowing the authorities to rescue all four passengers unharmed. The victims have since been reunited with their families.

READ ALSO:

The police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, commended the professionalism and bravery of the combined security forces, highlighting that collaboration among security agencies is vital to ensuring safety across the state. The command also appreciated the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for promptly mobilizing resources and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for strategic guidance in the ongoing fight against crime.

Investigations and intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice. Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to support security efforts.

The incident underscores the continued commitment of the Oyo State Police and security agencies to protect travellers on vulnerable highways, particularly areas with increased reports of highway abductions and criminal activity. Patrols and security presence along the Igbeti–Kishi corridor and other vulnerable routes have been intensified to prevent future attacks.

Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

News

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the posting of 65 Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners to diplomatic missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagement.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the list comprises 31 non-career diplomats and 34 career ambassadors whose appointments were earlier confirmed by the Senate.

The newly posted envoys include prominent politicians, retired military officers and seasoned diplomats tasked with representing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and strategic interests abroad.

Among the notable postings, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, has been posted to Qatar, while former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has been deployed to Mexico City, while former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been assigned to Spain.

READ ALSO:

Businessman and senator Jimoh Ibrahim will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

According to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun securing diplomatic approval, known as agrément, from host countries. The United Kingdom has granted agrément for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the posting of Ayo Oke.

President Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately begin the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners, after which they will proceed to their respective missions once final approvals are secured.

The appointments are part of the administration’s broader effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, attract foreign investment, strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and security cooperation globally.

Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N	Name	Mission
1	Senator Grace Bent	Lome, Togo
2	Senator Ita Enang	South Africa
3	Victor Ikpeazu	Spain
4	Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu	Tel-Aviv, Israel
5	Mahmud Yakubu	Qatar
6	Paul Oga Adikwu	Vatican City
7	Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas	Philippines
8	Reno Omokri	Mexico
9	Abasi Braimah	Hungary
10	Angela Adebayo	Portugal
11	Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa	Japan
12	Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi	Greece
13	Chioma Priscilla Ohakim	Poland
14	Aminu Dalhatu	United Kingdom
15	Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau	China
16	Tasiu Musa Maigari	Gambia
17	Olufemi Pedro	Australia
18	Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu	Argentina
19	Lateef Kayode Are	United States
20	Joseph Sola Iji	Russia
21	Jimoh Ibrahim	United Nations
22	Femi Fani-Kayode	Germany
23	Isaak Folorunso Adewole	Canada
24	Fatima Florence Ajimobi	Austria
25	Lola Akande	Sweden
26	Ayo Oke	France
27	Yakubu N. Gambo	Saudi Arabia
28	Nora Ladi Daduut	South Korea
29	Joe Okocha (SAN)	Ireland
30	Kulu Haruna Abubakar	Tunisia
31	Jerry Samuel Manwe	Trinidad and Tobago

Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N	Name	Mission
1	Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka	Cote d’Ivoire
2	Besto Maimuna Ibrahim	Niger
3	Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi	Sao Tome & Principe
4	Mohammed Mahmud Lele	Algeria
5	Endoni Syndoph Paebi	Burkina Faso
6	Ahmed Mohammed Monguno	Egypt
7	Jane Adams Michael	Jamaica
8	Alexandra Clark-Omeru	Zambia
9	Chima Geoffrey Lioma David	Mali
10	Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah	Equatorial Guinea
11	Wasa Segun Ige	Lebanon
12	Ruben Abimbola Samuel	Italy
13	Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga	Mozambique
14	Magaji Umar	DR Congo
15	Muhammad Saidu Dahiru	India
16	Abdussalam Habu Zayyad	Senegal
17	Shehu Ilu Barde	Ghana
18	Aminu Nasir	Ethiopia
19	Abubakar Musa Musa	Chad
20	Haidara Mohammed Idris	Netherlands
21	Bako Adamu Umar	Morocco
22	Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed	Malaysia
23	Romata Mohammed Omobolanle	Tanzania
24	Shaga John Shamah	Botswana
25	Hamza Mohammed Salau	Iran
26	Ibrahim Danlami	Kenya
27	Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola	Benin
28	Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel	Belgium
29	Wahab Adekola Akande	Switzerland
30	Esther Arewa Adedokun	Namibia
31	Gergadi Joseph John	Gabon
32	Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata	Sierra Leone
33	Danladi Yakubu Nyaku	Sudan
34	Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru	Thailand

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

News

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

U.S. President Donald Trump

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

The United States Justice Department has released additional FBI documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including interview records from a woman who alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after being introduced to him by Epstein.

The newly disclosed documents were made public on Thursday as part of the ongoing release of records related to the Epstein investigation. According to the Justice Department, the materials were not included in earlier congressionally mandated disclosures because they had been incorrectly labelled as “duplicative” records during the document review process.

The files include summaries of several 2019 interviews conducted by the FBI with the woman, who claimed she was between 13 and 15 years old when she was sexually assaulted by Epstein in the 1980s.

According to the interview summaries, the woman told investigators that Epstein once took her to either New York or New Jersey and introduced her to Trump in what she described as a tall building.

She alleged that during the encounter, Trump attempted to force her to perform oral sex, but she resisted and bit him, causing the alleged assault attempt to stop.

READ ALSO:

The woman further told investigators that Epstein had abused her repeatedly over several years and had sometimes arranged encounters with other men.

During the interviews, she also said that she and people close to her had received threatening phone calls over the years warning her to remain silent, which she suspected were connected to Epstein.

Despite the allegations, the FBI did not bring charges related to the claims, and records indicate that investigators eventually stopped communicating with the woman later in 2019.

Justice Department officials have cautioned that the allegations contained in the newly released documents are uncorroborated and noted that some materials submitted during the Epstein investigation included “untrue and sensationalist claims” involving President Trump.

President Trump has repeatedly denied any misconduct linked to Epstein or the allegations contained in the documents.

The release of the additional files has sparked renewed political scrutiny in Washington, with Democrats questioning how the administration handled the disclosure of the Epstein records.

Lawmakers argue that key materials may have been withheld or mishandled during the earlier releases.

In response, a House committee has voted to summon Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and explain why some documents were not initially disclosed.

The Justice Department maintains that the omission resulted from administrative errors in the massive document review process, which involves millions of pages of records tied to the Epstein investigation.

The disclosures are part of a broader transparency effort following congressional legislation requiring the government to release large volumes of records connected to Epstein, whose high-profile criminal case exposed an extensive network of abuse involving underage victims.