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Soldier to face firing squad for killing officer
The Nigerian Army court martial has sentenced a soldier, Private Azunna Mmadu-Abuchi, to death by firing squad for shooting his superior officer to the death.
The soldier was arraigned before the 7 Division General Court Martial sitting in Maiduguri for killing Lt. Babakaka Ngorgi.
He was found guilty of the offence and subsequently sentenced to death.
In his judgment on Tuesday, the President of the Court, Brig. Gen. Arikpo Ekubi, said the prosecutor had proved his case beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally shot and killed Ngorgi, who was the adjutant of 212 Battalion, Bama.
He said, “You intentionally opened fire and emptied your magazine of nine rounds of ammunition on the deceased officer, Lt. BS Ngorgi, who was the adjutant of 212 Battalion, Bama, which led to his instant death.
“You betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in you by the Nigerian Army to ensure dignity and respect for human life.
“Your action is therefore viewed with displeasure and as affront to efforts of the present leadership of the Nigerian Army, which emphasised the protection of human rights and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
“While condemning your action of unlawfully killing the deceased officer in a gruesome manner, this court considers the plea in mitigation punishment by your counsel, the General Court Martial takes cognisance of all your counsel has said and the fact that you are involved in the Theatre of Operation.
“However, the gravity of the crime that you have committed against the innocent officer, which by application is a crime against humanity and an attempt to drag the good name of Nigerian Army into mud, must be sanctioned appropriately.
“The punishment for the offence of murder as provided by Section 106 of the Armed Forces Act is death. This sentence is to be carried out by firing squad.”
Ekubi also convicted four soldiers for manslaughter for their involvement in torturing a civilian, one Peter Apogu, to death over a missing car battery.
He said based on their nature of involvement in the act, Sgt. Sani Ishaya who is the leader of the team is sentenced to four years in prison; Lance Corporal Fabiyi Bidemi is to serve two years while Private Adamu Abdulrashid and Private Musa Bala are to serve one year each.
The court also sentenced one Private Mohammed Kuru to three years in prison for accidental discharge at a civilian wedding ceremony that killed a 12-year-old boy.
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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on all Igbos to extend a warm and jubilant welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural official visit to Enugu State.
The visit, scheduled for today, marks a significant moment as the president is set to commission key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.
Ohanaeze, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, highlighted the importance of this visit as a testament to the president’s commitment to the Southeast.
The organization expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads and establishing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDEC).
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“These developments symbolize hope, opportunity, and progress for our people.
“Under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, these infrastructural strides are transformative, addressing years of neglect and paving the way for socioeconomic revitalization in the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.
The group said it has mobilized millions of Igbos to celebrate the president’s commitment to improving the region’s welfare.
“Let us come together to show our unity, appreciation, and cultural vibrancy,” Isiguzoro urged.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo assured that every effort had been made to ensure President Tinubu feels at home, with mechanisms in place to reflect the timeless Igbo values of warmth and generosity.
Furthermore, the group reiterated its advocacy for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency beyond 2027.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on every Igbo person to take advantage of Tinubu’s visit to showcase the Igbo nation’s unity, resilience, and aspirations.
“This visit marks a pivotal step toward a prosperous and united Nigeria,” Isiguzoro added.
As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
metro
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties, Office of the SSG, in Lafia on Friday.
The statement indicated that the dissolution takes effect immediately.
The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over the affairs of their ministries and government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.
Similarly, the SSG is required to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.
Governor Sule expressed his gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.
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He acknowledged their efforts in various capacities during their tenure and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Political analysts view the move as a potential step towards reconstituting the cabinet for a fresh start in the new year.
Observers speculate that the decision may also be aimed at aligning the administration’s priorities with evolving governance needs in Nasarawa State.
The development has sparked discussions within the state, with citizens and political stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the governor’s office regarding the composition of the new cabinet.
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
(NAN)
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Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate
Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations against him that he converted the resources of Rivers State into his private estate while serving as Governor.
Wike, who hosted some stakeholders in the state on Friday in Port Harcourt, stated that the allegation, attributed to former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, is false.
The Minister noted that those making the allegations have children serving in government as commissioners, questioning how he could have turned Rivers State into his personal property.
“Those who made the allegations have their children serving as commissioners. Is any of my children a commissioner? I never converted the state into my personal estate,” he said.
He reiterated that individuals like Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara were among those who opposed the candidacy of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor.
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“Those who parade themselves as elders of the state today were the same people who opposed Fubara’s emergence as Governor. I stood my ground. But today, they are the ones moving everywhere, calling themselves elders.”
Wike nostalgically recalled that since 1999, when he contested elections for the Obio/Akpor local government council, “I have been winning every election I contest because we know how this game works.”
He also recounted how he risked his life to help former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki win reelection. “I had an ulcer, but I still went to Edo and ensured Obaseki won that election. I fought Oshiomhole. The police ordered me to leave Edo State. I left my car at the hotel and disappeared. But the same Obaseki turned against us.”
The FCT Minister appealed to Monday Okpebholo, the current Governor of Edo State, not to turn against Oshiomhole as his predecessor did.
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