The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • Businessman bags one year jail term over stolen property

    A Karu Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Wednesday sentenced a businessman, Calistus Nduaguba,43, to one year imprisonment for receiving stolen property.
    Magistrate Abdulmajeed Oniyangi, who convicted Nduaguba, however gave him N10, 000 option of fine.The businessman is standing trial for the offence of receiving stolen property, which contravened Section 317 of the Penal Code.
    The prosecutor, Ashasim Patience, had told the court that one Osidinma Asogwu of Kugbo Mechanic Village, Abuja, reported the matter at Karu Police Station on April 14.
    She told the court that the defendant bought 23 cartons of body fillers (building material) from one Patrick Emeka, who was arraigned before the court for the offence of theft.
    The prosecutor said that the stolen items were valued at N494, 500, but the defendant purchased the items for N 98, 000.
    She stated that the defendant was aware that the items were stolen.
    The prosecutor also informed the court that the defendant admitted committing the crime during police investigations and all the items were recovered from him.
    The defendant had pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

     

  • Court discharges men accused of causing grievous hurt, criminal trespass.

    A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, has discharged two defendants-Aliyu Yaro and Abdulsalam Sadiq, docked on five-count charge, bordering on joint-act, criminal trespass, criminal force, assault, mischief and causing hurt to one Aisha Yahaya.
    The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, ordered the release following an application by the defence counsel, Mohammed Farouk, who urged the court to strike out the case in line with Section 351 of Administration of the Criminal Justice Act(ACJA).
    ‎The judge explained that the defendants were arraigned on Feb. 1 and adjourned the case till March 27, for hearing,
    The judge said that the matter was further adjourned on the request of the prosecutor, Fidelix Ogbubwe till April 18.
    He said that, ‎neither the plaintiff or prosecutor have an explanation for their absence in court, hence he discharged the defendants.
    The judge advised that any aggrieved party can appeal through the High Court.‎
    Yaro and Sadiq were arraigned on a five-count charge of joint-act, criminal trespass, criminal force and assault, causing hurt and mischief.
    The prosecutor had told the court that the plaintiff had a disagreement with the defendants and reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on Jan. 28.
    He said the defendants, however, evaded police invitation and criminally trespassed into the plaintiff’s room, beat her up and damaged her property.
    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

     

  • Nigeria not immune to cyber threat – CSEAN

    • Warns of imminent cyber-attack on banks

    Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has warned that the country is currently vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

    CSEAN President, Remi Afon stated in Abuja that corporate organisations and government establishments have refused to realise and prepare for imminent dangers of cyber threats.

    He stated that cyber-attacks were becoming more dynamic and sophisticated, thus need to build a resilient cyber defence system for the country.

    According to a statement, issued on Tuesday by the association, a report recently released by Kaspersky revealed that some banks are targeted by North Korean hacking operation group in 18 countries including Nigeria.

    The statement reads: “A recent report by Kaspersky showed that North Korean hacking operation linked to Lazarus group targeted banks in 18 countries of which Nigeria was among the targets. Clearly, this has shown that Nigeria is not immune to cyber threats. The vast scope of Cyber threats we face today makes a compelling case for legislation that will compel organisations to have minimum cyber security controls in place and also mandate them to make full disclosure once they are breached. This will assist the nation in understanding attack vectors we face and aid security experts in the implementation of adequate security controls.”

    Afon added that “the global cost of cybercrime will reach $6 trillion by 2021, a threefold increase from the 2015 estimate of $3 trillion according to Cybersecurity Ventures. Unfortunately, over 80 per cent of organisations and government agencies in Nigeria believe that since they have not suffered a major cyber-attack, there is no need for security to be implemented in their business plan.

    “Cyber threats and attacks are becoming commonplace, sophisticated and damaging. Governments, organisations and individuals are faced with an evolving complex threat landscape. State and non-state actors are capitalising on vulnerabilities to launch attacks. Through workshops, plenary and breakout sessions, Cyber Secure Nigeria 2017 will prepare participants to defend their networks and operations against growing sophistication of cyber-attacks by Building Resilient Cyber Defence.”

    However, Afon said the 2017 cyber security conference tagged “Cyber Secure Nigeria 2017,” scheduled to hold in Abuja on May 16-18, would provide the platform for cyber security gatherings.

    Stakeholders expected in the conference included industry giants, government, academia, information security professionals from the country and international community.

  • Free medical outreach, air power, as NAF celebrates at 53

    Free medical outreach, air power, as NAF celebrates at 53

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it will conduct free medical outreach to residents around the NAF bases in Makurdi Benue state as it begins activities to celebrate its 53 years of service to Nigeria. During the NAF day celebration which will be hosted by the Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi, the NAF will also induct into its inventory two additional Mi-35M helicopters which were purchased from Russia.

    The aircraft would be deployed to join other platforms fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. The chairman, organising committee and Director Of Operations (NAF), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Dayo Amao told  The Nation that the celebrations scheduled for April 20-22 will also witness air power meet, gala night, ceremonial parade, winging of new pilots and the presentation of colours to the Special Operations Command.

    AVM Amao said the NAF Day celebration with the theme: “Employment of Air Power for Enduring National Security” would afford the NAF the opportunity to take stock in the light of its statutory responsibility as a military Service.

    Amao: “Given the active role played by the NAF in  combating both real and perceived challenges facing our nation, it is no gain saying that the priority of the NAF lies in the consolidation of  the gains of air power employment especially at this crucial stage in the history of our nation.”

    AVM Amao also the induction of the Mi-35 M helicopters would redefine the war on insurgency as the helicopters would bring the needed firepower to bear on the activities of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “The Mi-35M helicopters are new versions, it can fly in the night and in all weather, it is an attack helicopter and we are proud to have them,” Amao said.

  • Easter celebrations: Abuja-Kaduna railway records 6,659 passengers

    Easter celebrations: Abuja-Kaduna railway records 6,659 passengers

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said it conveyed 6,659 passengers via the Abuja-Kaduna route during the Easter celebrations from Thursday to Monday.

    The Station Manager, Mr Victor Adamu, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “On Thursday last week, we ran our normal trips and we carried 1,744 passengers. On Good Friday, we had 1,807 passengers and on Saturday, we had only one trip with 685 passengers on board.

    “We also had one trip on Sunday with 581 passengers on board. Meanwhile, we resumed our full trips on Easter Monday with 1,842 passengers making the trips.

    “On the whole, we had 6,659 passengers during this Easter season,” he said.

    Adamu, however, debunked the allegation of overselling of tickets, explaining that the population of people making use of the train during the airport closure was overwhelming.

    “Train officials do not oversell tickets to passengers,” he said.

    He attributed the congestion to the free airport train services and the pressure mounted on officials by passengers who would insist on going with the train in spite of it being full in order not to miss their flights.

    “The inflow of passengers going to the airport is too much, especially at the Kubwa station.

    “Once the train arrives, all of them will just go in and you cannot stop them, because they are not paying; they will usually accuse you of wanting them to miss their flights.

    “So, we can’t do anything than to allow them because the population of passengers these few weeks had been overwhelming,” he said.

    The manager, however, said that the issue of congestion would be over as soon as the Abuja airport reopened.

  • Abuja Airport reopens for operation after six weeks

    Abuja Airport reopens for operation after six weeks

    After six weeks closure, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was on Tuesday reopened for operation.

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika was said to be on board the test flight from Kaduna international airport which landed at the Abuja airport on Tuesday morning.

    Details later…

  • Air Peace resumes Abuja flights Wednesday

    Air Peace resumes Abuja flights Wednesday

    Air Peace airlines says it will resume flight operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The announcement by the airline in a statement by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, on Monday in Lagos followed the completion of rehabilitation of the Abuja airport’s runway.

    It commended travellers for keeping faith with it and by making a huge sacrifice to ensure that the repair of the bad portions of the runway of the airport was done.

    Air Peace also praised the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, for ensuring speedy completion of the repairs of the facility.

    “We are pleased to announce resumption of all our flights into and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with effect from April 19.

    “The Federal Government shut the facility to traffic on March 8 to enable a six-week repair of its runway and diverted all Abuja-bound flights to the Kaduna International Airport.

    “We considered the decision of the Federal Government to shut down the airport for quick repair of its runway in tandem with the high safety standards of our flight operations.

    “At Air Peace, the safety of our esteemed guests is our first rule of business. We do not compromise on that for any reason.

    “Although the decision to shut the facility to traffic came with huge costs, for us, nothing compares with safety.

    “We are also aware that our numerous guests and the entire travelling public had to make a lot of sacrifice to enable the repair of the runway possible and wish to commend them for their understanding and cooperation,” it said.

    It added that the repair of the runway “has further intensified our enthusiasm to deliver the best flight experience to our valued guests in a very safe atmosphere.

    “Our Abuja schedules are alive once again and we promise to give the best of air travel services as we resume our flight operations in the Federal Capital Territory.”

  • Air Peace resumes Abuja flights, commends FG

    Air Peace resumes Abuja flights, commends FG

    Air Peace has announced the resumption of all its flights into and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja starting from Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

    A statement issued by the carrier’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah on Monday commended air travellers for keeping faith with the airline and making a huge sacrifice to ensure repair of the bad portions of the runway of the Abuja airport.

    The airline also praised the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika for ensuring speedy completion of the repair work on the runway of the facility.

    “We are pleased to announce resumption of all our flights into and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport with effect from Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

    “The Federal Government shut the facility to traffic on March 8 to enable a six-week repair of its runway and diverted all Abuja-bound flights to the Kaduna International Airport.

    “We considered the decision of the Federal Government to shut down the airport for quick repair of its runway in tandem with the high safety standards of our flight operations. At Air Peace, the safety our esteemed guests is our first rule of business. We do not compromise on that for any reason.

    “Although the decision to shut the facility to traffic came with huge costs, for us, nothing compares with safety. We are also aware that our numerous guests and the entire travelling public had to make a lot of sacrifice to enable the repair of the runway possible and wish to commend them for their understanding and cooperation.

    “We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and the contractors for delivering on their promise to ensure completion of the repairs within schedule. The repair of the runway has further intensified our enthusiasm to deliver the best flight experience to our valued guests in a very safe atmosphere. Our Abuja schedules are live once again and we promise to give the best of air travel services as we resume our flight operations in the Federal Capital Territory,” Air Peace said.

     

     

  • Orphanage produces two graduates, calls for support

    The management of Christ Foundation Orphanage in Kuje, Abuja, says it has produced two graduates and five undergraduates presently at different course levels in universities.

    Mr Gabriel Okuta, the proprietor of the faith-based home said this on Monday when some group of women paid the management of the home a courtesy visit to donate some gift items to commemorate Easter.

    He said one of the orphans graduated as a psychologist from Ekpoma University, Edo and she had been posted for her National Youth Service programme.

    He said the other graduate studied Education Management at the University of Abuja, noting that there were 47 children presently in the home.

    He called on Nigerians to help the home by providing beddings, food stuffs and other items that could make life easy for them.

    “Finance has been our major constraint, we need a school bus and we hope to finish the six blocks of classroom, running the home of about 47 children is a challenge,’’ he said.

    Okuta also noted that the children at the orphanage were faced with health challenges, calling on Nigerians to help.

    He said the orphanage often got their children through partnership with police, adding that some abandoned children seen by the police were often brought to the orphanage for proper care.

    Joseph Gabriel, an orphan who referred to Okuta as his parent, said that he would like to be a soldier when he grew up.

    “I am now in primary two, Mr and Mrs Gabriel Okuta are my parents and I want to be a soldier so that I can help people,’’ he said.

    Also Peculiar Gabriel, an orphan, said she would want to be a teacher in future to make people learn how to read.

    Christ Foundation Orphanage is a registered non-governmental organisation established in 2004 to ensure that every child under its care acquires basic education and outstanding socio-cultural background.

  • Abuja airport ready for re- opening , says FAAN boss

    Abuja airport ready for re- opening , says FAAN boss

    Forty one days after its runway was shut for major repairs, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport ( NNIA), Abuja will re- open on Monday April 17, 2017, the Managing Director , Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma has disclosed.
    Dunoma said everything about the Abuja Airport runway is ready, but, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) is expected to carry out certification of the aerodrome to ascertain compliance with operational standards .
    The certification, Dunoma said will be completed in two days, before the airport runway will open for commercial flights on April 19, 2017.
    Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Dunoma said the two days certification window is to allow NCAA make corrections and possible close any open item in line with civil aviation requirements.
    “ We will be ready by Monday on April 17 , 2017 but we are leaving the remaining two days for Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority .
    ” This is because the NCAA has to certify the airport that what we have done is in accordance with their standards.
    ” After the NCAA do that, we will bring in the traffic. But if they do not, we have the opportunity of making corrections with the two days we have saved.”