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Abuja environment board barred from collecting refuse, sewage levies
- Court voids N19m demand notice on NIPCO
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has restrained the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) from imposing, levying and or collecting sewage and refuse disposal levies from NIPCO Plc or from any person or corporate body within Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi issued the order of perpetual injunction restraining Abuja Environmental Protection Board while delivering judgment in suit No: CV/ 3493 /2022 filed by NIPCO Plc through its lawyers, Chief Paul Obi (with Ify Ikeatuegwu), against the environmental board of the FCT, including its officers, agents, employees, preview or through anybody whatsoever.

Other reliefs granted the claimant by the court included an order declaring Section 30(4) and Section 6 (1)(a) and (b) of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act 1997 purporting to authorise or confer powers on the defendant to impose and collect levy for sewage and refuse disposable from the claimant oil company or any other persons or corporate bodies within Abuja Municipal Area Council is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

Justice Adeniyi declared that the defendant had no legal or constitutional powers to impose any levy or fine for sewage and refuse disposal on the plaintiff or any corporate body within Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The court declared that the demand notices for the total sum of N19,400,553.36 imposed on the plaintiff by the defendant as sewage and refuse disposal levies on fines for the period 2015 to 2021 or for any period whatsoever are ultra vires, the powers of the defendants are therefore unconstitutional, null and void.

The court held that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is the only body constitutionally empowered and authorised to impose or levy sewage and refuse disposal levies or fines on any person or corporate body in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the FCT.

Justice Adeniyi, in the judgment delivered February 21, 2024 held that the defendant as a body created by section 1 of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act, 1997, an Act of the National Assembly, to perform the exact functions and to exercise the powers conferred on AMAC by the constitution, cannot validly and legally impose levies or fines on the plaintiff for sewage and refuse disposal.

The court declared that the provisions of s. 30(4) and s. 6(1)(a), (b)-and (c)(iv) of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act 1997, which are held to be in clear conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of paragraph (1)(h) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, as unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

The court in addition held that the purported good sought to be done by the enactment of the AEPB Act, to the extent of its conflict with the constitution, cannot, simply for reasons of its good motives, be recognised or enforced, adding “the good sought in unconstitutional legislation is an insidious feature.”

Justice Adeniyi, citing necessary authorities and related judgments, held that the totality of the arguments canvassed by the defendant’s learned counsel with regards to the motive or the laudable idea behind the passage of the AEPB Act, must pale into insignificance in view of its conflict with nation’s grundnorm, adding, “let me also add this that I have used the constitution as the barometer to measure the AEPB Act, I reached the conclusion that it falls below the required legislative standards.”

Citing more authorities, Justice Adeniyi dismissed arguments by the defense that it was as a result of the nullification of the Taxes and Levies (Approved List of Collection) Act, that stripped AMAC of powers to collect levies and dues for waste management that compelled the defendant to assume the functions of AMAC.

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The court held that no law or judicial pronouncement can controvert or contradict a clear provision of the constitution.

“The provision of paragraph I(h) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, without equivocation, preserves the powers and responsibilities of all Local Government Councils in the federation, including, in the instant case, AMAC, to provide and maintain public conveniences, sewage and refuse disposal.

“That provision, without doubt further implies that Local Councils have the constitutional responsibility to so fix levies and dues for carrying out such waste management responsibilities.

“It is therefore in furtherance of its constitutional responsibility that the AMAC Environmental Sanitation and Prohibition of Indiscriminate Dumping of Refuse Silts and other Environmental Health Offences Bye Laws No. 4 of 2012 was made.

“It cannot be said that AMAC lacked in capacity to perform its constitutionally preserved functions; and as such it is unlawful for the defendant to hijack such functions, hiding under the void provisions of the AEPB Act and the decision of the Court of Appeal nullifying the Taxes and Levies (Approved List of Collection) Act, 2004”, he held.

Justice Adeniyi declared that where the legislature enacts a law which is in conflict with any provisions of the constitution; or undermines its supremacy, the court is empowered to intervene and strike down such legislation, stressing that this is why the claimant had invoked the jurisdiction of the court to do in the circumstances of the case.

In the Originating Summon, Chief Obot for the claimant, had formulated two issues for determination of the court, including:

“Whether in the circumstances of this case and having regard to the clear provisions of the Section 1(3) for the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended (The Constitution), which guarantees constitutional supremacy over all other laws or legislations made in Nigeria, the Defendant as a body created by an Act of the National Assembly, can validly perform the exact functions and exercise the powers conferred on the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) by Section ( 7) of the 1999 Constitution; and

Whether in the circumstances of this case and considering the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and Ss. 30(4) and 6 (1) (a) and (b) of the Abuja Municipal Protection Act 1997, which sections purport to confer powers and jurisdiction on the Defendant to impose and collect sewage and refuse disposal levies on the Plaintiff or any other person or corporate bodies whatsoever in Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

Arguing the two issues together, the claimant’s learned counsel had asserted the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); which he referred to rightly as the grundnorm, over and above every other law in the land, and citied the provision of s. 1 (3) of the same Constitution to underscore the point.

Chief Obot had contended that the provision of Ss. 7(1) of the Constitution established all the Local Government Councils in Nigeria and that they derived their main functions from the provision of paragraph 1(h), Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, which are “provision and maintenance of public conveniences, sewage and refuse disposal.”

He had argued further that it is pursuant to its constitutionally guaranteed functions that the “Abuja Municipal Area Council” (otherwise called AMAC), enacted its own bye-law known as the Abuja Municipal Area Council Environmental Sanitation and Prohibition of Indiscriminate Dumping of Refuse Silts and other Environmental Health Offences Bye-laws No. (4) 2012, which is to empower it collect payments on disposal/sanitation levy on all persons within the precincts of the Abuja Municipal.

Summing up his arguments, the claimant’s counsel submitted: “Abuja Municipal Area Council” is the bona fide body empowered by the Constitution for the collection of refuse and waste disposal levies, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council and not the Defendant; and as such, all the “demand notices” issued by the defendant to the claimant were invalid since the defendant lacked the legal competence to issue them ab initio.

The defense counsel, C. O. Okaro, leading A. I. Balogun formulated one issue for determination of the court.

He asked the court to determine “Whether the provisions of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act, 1997, with regards to waste management services in the FCT is in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Okaro had contended that by virtue of paragraph 7, Part Ill of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List of ‘Collection) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Area Councils in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were statutorily imbued with the right to the collection of sewage and refuse disposal fees.

He contended that the Court of Appeal, Division, in the case of Uyo Local Government vs Government of Akwa Ibom State, had nullified paragraph 7, Part Ill of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List of Collection) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, thereby, abrogating the rights of the Area Councils to collect sewage and refuse

disposal fees.

He argued that the “sewage and refuse disposal fee” are not taxes per se, instead, the Area Councils ought to have rendered such services and the beneficiary of the services would be obligated to the payment of fees for the services so rendered.

Okaro had further contended that the AEPB Act was enacted for the proper administration and management of waste and sewage disposal, and collection of fees, within the FCT and that the defendant is the only body empowered by law to collect payment of waste disposal fees from the beneficiaries of such services in the FCT; and thus urged on the Court to dismiss the claimant’s action.

But the claimant’s counsel submitted that the provisions of the AEPB Act which empowers the defendant to take over the main constitutionally stipulated functions of the Area Councils in the FCT is incongruous with the Constitution and is to the extent of its inconsistency, null and void and cited the cases of Saraki_vs FRN;4 and A. G. Abia vs A.G, Federation to prove its point.
March 19, 2024
Leave Abuja to reach constituents, AA Zaura challenges political appointees

A stalwart of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has urged political appointees of the Federal Government to connect with their constituencies instead of staying put in Abuja.

He stated this in a chat with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, adding that “there seem to be a disconnect between the politicians and their people back home, and that is why they do not really appreciate the efforts of President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government.”

The Kano central 2023 senatorial candidate said lawmakers, aides and appointees of the Federal Government are closest to the masses and need to tell those they are representing about policies and programmes of government.

“They need to sensitise their people on steps Mr President is taking to tackle hardship and make life better for Nigerians, but if they remain in Abuja their people will remain uninformed.

“Whether you are elected or appointed in this government, now is the time to go back to your people, do not remain in Abuja; go back to your constituencies, help them and tell them about the policy and agenda of Bola Tinubu on improving their standard of living.

“This is very important, because when people, especially those at the gross root, understand the efforts of government for them, they will be patient and support the government.

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“You are given an appointment to help the president, help the nation, so go to your constituency every weekend, sit with the people and let them understand what the government is doing at the top.

“They don’t know what is happening in Abuja because not all of them have television, not all of them have money to buy newspapers,” he said.

The Kano- born philanthropist noted that with the large size of President Tinubu’s cabinet, Nigerians ought to be well informed of his programmes , adding that “every minister and aides ought to be an ambassador of the renewed hope agenda to their people back home.”

“This is a president who have taught it wise to appoint Senior Special Assistants on Community Engagement across all the geo-political zones, and that tells you how his is willing to connect with Nigerians, listen to them and work towards making life better for citizens.

“When you are given an appointment it is not only for yourself, it is for your constituency, it is for you to fruitfully engage the people of your local government and your state.

“I think this government is trying in terms of its policies, in terms of creating all the necessary measures to soften the hardship, but the people need to be carried along.

“But the disconnection cannot be bridged when the representatives of the people remain in Abuja and move to London or America the next day, they must engage their people all the time,” he added.

March 18, 2024
Pandemonium as Abuja residents loot govt warehouse
- NEMA denies ownership of burgled facility
- Police arrest 15
There was chaos yesterday in the Gwagwa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as hoodlums broke into a government storage facility and carted away food items.

Some residents said the youths in their numbers broke into the warehouse located around Tasha at about 7am, looting bags of maize and grains.

Ibrahim Alfa, a resident, said the looting continued unhindered for several hours, adding that the situation caused gridlock on the Gwagwa-Karmo Road, which leads to the Dei-Dei and Jabi axis.

Another resident, John, bysaid the looters did not spare even protectors used to barricade the site as they picked anything deemed useful from the warehouse.

The Nation reports that the same warehouse was looted during the COVID-19 lockdown and grain bags as well as pumping machines meant for intervention were stolen from the site by the looters.

After raiding the store, the rampaging youths headed towards Idu Industrial Estate, an area that hosts warehouses owned by individuals and also the government.

The FCT Police Public Relations officer, SP Josephine Adeh, when contacted said officers were already on ground trying to control the situation.

Adeh in a statement yesterday said: “The FCT police command is fully informed about the impulsive attack on Agric Department Strategic food store located at Tasha, Abuja, on 2/03/2024 by some irate crowd, which resulted in the vandalism and looting of the warehouse.

“The command wishes to state that normalcy has since been restored to the environment and the situation is very much under control, as 15 suspects were arrested, including two local security guards employed by the warehouse management.

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“Exhibits such as 26 bags of maiz, five motorcycles and some vandalized aluminum roofings were recovered from the suspects.”

Debunking earlier reports that claimed the warehouse was owned by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Head, Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, said: “This is to clarify that the looted warehouse does not belong to NEMA. However, the agency sympathizes with owners of the looted facility.

“To forestall any security breach at NEMA facilities, the Director General Mustapha Habib Ahmed has directed Zonal Directors and Heads of Operations to strengthen security in and around the agency’s offices and warehouses nationwide.”

When our correspondent contacted the Public Relations Officer of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Agric Secretariat, Zakari Aliyu, he accepted that the looted warehouse belonged to the FCT.

He said: “It’s an FCT warehouse at Gwagwa. We have visited with our Mandate Secretary. He will repeat the visit with the HMS tomorrow.”
March 4, 2024
Mathline electric experience store opens in Abuja

Mathline Electric has opened a new experience store in the heart of Abuja’s Wuse 2 district specifically on Plot 1077 Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent Wuse 2 Abuja.

The state-of-the-art showroom provides customers with an immersive experience, allowing them to witness the brilliance of Mathline’s chandeliers firsthand and receive expert advice from their knowledgeable staff.

For discerning homeowners seeking to elevate their space with a touch of timeless elegance, Mathline Electric offers a curated selection of chandeliers sourced directly from Europe and Asia.

From the intricate craftsmanship of Turkish designs to the modern minimalism of Asian styles, the collection caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Knowing a one-size-fits-all solution rarely suffice when it comes to luxury living, Mathline electric offers a unique customisation service, allowing clients to personalise their chandeliers to perfectly complement their existing décor.

Mathline Electric’s dedication to providing its clientele with exclusive lighting options extends beyond its curated collections. The company actively participates in international trade shows, staying at the forefront of industry trends and sourcing the most coveted and unique pieces from around the globe.

Mathline Electric believes that premium lighting should not be an unattainable dream. Through competitive pricing strategy and long-term partnerships with renowned European manufacturers like Kruger and Zoro, it ensures their exquisite chandeliers remain accessible to a wider audience.

In today’s environment of rising electricity costs, Mathline Electric understands the importance of energy efficiency, offering a variety of lighting solutions that combine stunning aesthetics with energy-saving features, allowing customers to illuminate their homes in style without compromising on their budget.

As a leading provider of high-end chandeliers and designer lighting, Mathline Electric is making waves in the Nigerian market with a commitment to exceptional quality, diverse styles, and competitive pricing.

March 1, 2024
Wike to UK envoy: Abuja safe

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said the nation’s capital is safe for investors.

He said security and job creation for the residents remained key priority areas on the list of his administration’s agenda.

Wike gave the assurance when he hosted the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, in his office yesterday in Abuja.

The FCT minister said the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria had a long relationship since the colonial period to Independence, adding that the ties were getting stronger.

Wike, who was responding to a request by the high commissioner on the priority areas of the FCT administration, said his interest was centered on the priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is anchored on eight priorities.

Assuring his guest of tight security in the FCT, the minister said: “Two months ago, it did appear to be too hot, but you can now see that the level of criminal activities has come down very well because of the level of support and the commitment of security agencies, particularly the police.

“We gave the police and other security agencies a lot of logistics support. That is how I help them effectively to support the fight. This helps to tackle, particularly, banditry and kidnapping. I can tell you that we have made tremendous progress in terms of arresting the kidnappers.

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“There is no part of this world that there won’t be any form of criminality. What is important is the swiftness of security agencies to apprehend and also try to prosecute those that are involved. I’m happy with what we have done.

“We also realised that before now, it did appear that there were no activities in Abuja. Many people complained that Abuja was down, but as we came on board, activities have come on board.

“We are proud to say that we have turned Abuja, which was not the case in the last past eight years, to construction site.”

Montgomery said the British High Commission was interested in understanding the FCT Administration’s areas of priority to help in bilateral relationship.

February 28, 2024
Wisdom Kwati Smart City unveils plans for over 15,000 affordable smart houses in Idu Abuja

Wisdom Kwati Smart City, a real estate firm, has announced an initiative to address the housing deficit in Africa by launching a new residential estate in Idu, Abuja.

With a commitment to providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions, the company aims to deliver over 15,000 smart housing units in the capital city.

Reflecting on the company’s vision, CEO Wisdom Kwati emphasised the importance of redefining the quality of living in Nigeria through urbanised and modern cities referencing Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development and his drive for collaboration among housing agencies to increase the national housing stock and ensure the provision of quality, decent, and affordable homes to Nigerians.

He said: “We are proud to announce our latest project in Idu, Abuja, which is designed to meet the growing demand for affordable housing while incorporating sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

“The project, to be built on 276 hectares of land at Gousa district with FCDA R of O, will comprise a diverse range of housing options, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom terrace duplexes, 3-bedroom fully detached duplexes, 4-bedroom semi-detached duplexes, 4-bedroom fully detached duplexes with boys quarters, 5 and 6-bedroom fully detached duplexes with boys quarters, and some few 7-bedroom villas with boy quarters”

Wisdom Kwati Smart City aims to set a new standard for residential developments in the country, providing high-quality homes at affordable prices.

“Over the past few weeks, we have observed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu advocate for decent and affordable homes for all Nigerians.

“Following the groundbreaking of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, we are inspired by his vision. We believe in his commitment to providing housing solutions that not only meet the needs of our customers but also address the challenges in the housing value chain,” remarked Kwati.

“Our goal is to create vibrant communities that foster innovation and sustainable growth and we appreciate the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike for infrastructural development he has brought to Abuja making this feat very realistic and achievable

“With commercial areas including plazas, shopping malls, markets, city swimming pools, city parks, sports centers, over 10 km of cycling lanes, fiber optics, solar street lights, drainage systems, etc., the project will offer a holistic living experience to its residents.

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“Wisdom Kwati Smart City’s commitment to excellence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, with plans to expand its footprint across Africa. The company’s track record of success in Abuja and Lagos positions it as a trusted partner in the real estate industry, and its expansion into other African markets, starting with Ghana, marks a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

“As we embark on this journey to provide affordable housing solutions across Africa, we remain dedicated to our core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability,” said Wisdom Kwati. “Our vision is to shape the future of real estate globally and positively impact the lives of millions of people through our developments

February 14, 2024
Abuja as centre of unity no longer available for debate
- By Adewole Adebayo
There are so many uncertainties these days and Ship of State is constantly missing her anchor. Nigerians are not just questioning the credibility of one another; we are questioning the rationale of our existence! Life is about change and its constancy.

Yet, however, much a stable entity gyrates in response to internal or external stimulus, the core ought to be stable. Nigeria now has several cores, including federalism, multiethnic and multi-religious diversity, and unity in that diversity.

The idea of a Federal Capital Territory in Abuja is a major core. We should all be able to accept that Abuja as a centre of unity is no longer available for debate. Recent attempts to raise partisan skirmishes and cross swords in regional tournaments over the status of Abuja are coming at a time when statesmen and elders are absentmindedly avoiding life-threatening abominations at our doorsteps. I want us to rest the issue of Abuja and focus on ensuring that we have an actual government in place, willing and able to exercise authority in Nigeria and enforce its writs.

Therefore:

Abuja was not and it is not a northern agenda or plot or conspiracy.

Tanzania, Australia, Brazil, Ivory Coast, etc have done similar relocations.

It can never be in the interest of Western Nigeria to have Lagos reinstated as the Federal Capital Territory, as this would be a monumental relapse and loss of a significant victory in a struggle that began about 80 years ago. No reasonable, thinking, and sensible person in the West would wish to have the capital of Nigeria in Lagos or anywhere in the six South West States!

Abuja is a fantastic place to have the Federal Capital Territory and it should remain so. All Federal Government agencies should be headquartered in Abuja, with the flexibility to operate remotely or physically in every part of Nigeria.

FCT in Abuja is not an achievement of the Northerners and it is not a legacy that the northern political elite can claim pole position to protect.

It will be unconstitutional, unwise, counterproductive, and wasteful for President Tinubu or any other president to even conceive the nonsensical thought of reversing the establishment of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory. To begin with, Lagos or anywhere in the old western region is not available for such hosting. That decision is final. The Southwest will never host any Federal Capital. Period. There is no land in the East or South except perhaps the northern forests of Cross River State to spare for that. There is hardly anywhere else in the north more suitable for it than the present location named Abuja. It can be renamed Nigeria City or Naija Town or whatever but Abuja is cute enough. I’m certain that we can’t even afford to start a new FCT away from Abuja where we have made significant investments in infrastructure and civic unity.

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However, from time to time, the President as Chief Executive may direct operational units of any executive agencies to be located in any part of Nigeria and carry out activities from such places in the national interest. Such a decision is enabled by all the executive powers of the Federation vested in the President under section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Where the President makes any decisions for which he or she is constitutionally and legally empowered to make, there may still be political costs attendant to such a decision if poor political judgment is applied or is poorly communicated. A political leader may be punished politically for legally valid actions. The right to question authority or oppose policies and measures is reserved in a democratic polity.

The Federal Capital Territory of a country with a functional economy is hardly the prettiest or wealthiest necessarily. It is incumbent on State Governments to govern their states well and attract investments and development. The Federal Government is also not obligated or expected to concentrate only on the Federal Capital Territory for development and investments. There is no reason why Ajaokuta or Ikot Abasi or Jos or Nkalagu should not attract as much federal attention as Abuja.

For the sake of long-term peace, we should adequately compensate the original owners of the land we have confiscated and made into the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. It is the fair and just thing to do. As far as a suitable and appropriate Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is good enough.

* Adebayo, a lawyer was a presidential candidate in the 2023 election
February 11, 2024
One-month-old baby freed as kidnappers kill nursing mother, grandma in Abuja

Agony was said to have enveloped some parts of Abuja when kidnappers reportedly killed a nursing mother, Christiana Igba, and her mother, Maria Agbo, after spending two weeks with them in their yet-to-be-known hideout.

After killing the nursing mother and her mother, who came on a visit to Abuja for postnatal care of her grandchild popularly known as ‘Omugwo’, the kidnappers freed the slain mother’s one-month-old baby.

Christiana, who was childless for over 10 years, according to findings, gave birth about a month ago.

They reportedly gave the sick child to another female victim to take to the hospital with the phone number of the husband of the deceased nursing mother to enable the hospital to contact him.

The deceased husband, Simon Igba, a Nigeria Police Officer, who lives near the Mopol Barrack in Dei- Dei, was said to have slumped following the sad news of the death of his wife and her mother after spending two weeks in the den of the kidnappers.

Reports further has it that the bandits, who had reportedly intensified onslaught in recent times in the Dei Dei Community in Abuja, invaded the residence of John Igba and kidnapped his wife and her mother, who came for postnatal care.

The neighbour of the victims, Adejo Jacob, who recounted the incident, said the abductors had demanded N90 million ransom before the tragic murder of the victims.

He said: “The late Christiana gave birth recently after being barren for more than ten years. Her mother came to Abuja from Benue State for the postnatal and to celebrate with the family over the newborn.

“The kidnappers earlier asked the husband to pay N90 million ransom as the only condition to release his wife and his mother-in-law.

“A day before they were killed, the kidnappers contacted the husband, and they both negotiated and settled for N10 million.

“The kidnappers asked him to make the money available before 10 am the following day, which was last Thursday “Before the agreed time, the kidnappers called the husband to inform him that the one-month-old baby was ill.

“There was another victim that the kidnappers released that day, so they gave her the baby and asked her to take the newborn to a hospital.

“The kidnappers gave her the phone number of the baby’s father and asked her to call when she got to the hospital.

“The woman did as she was instructed. The hospital called Igba, and he went there and recovered his baby. After a few hours, we received a report that Christiana and her mother had been killed.

“Their lifeless bodies were dumped, and some police officers went there to recover them. They have been deposited at the Kubwa General Hospital.”

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A relative, one Prince Victor Omonu, also posted on his Facebook page three days ago how painful it is for him to have lost a relative.

He said: “It is a sad world. My relative came to Abuja to celebrate the birth of her grandchild, she was kidnapped alongside her daughter and newborn. Just got the news now that she and daughter have been murdered this morning. What a sad world. The baby is still alive though.”

It was gathered that the residents, still in shock over the unprecedented murder, are living in fear as nobody can say who may be the next.

All efforts to get the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh were futile as calls and text messages put across to her were not responded to.

Meanwhile, our correspondent observed that security operatives have doubled the deployment of their armed men over the bandits and kidnappers in Abuja and its environs.

January 29, 2024
Panic in Abuja as explosion rocks Maitama

Panic yesterday enveloped residents of Abuja following a loud explosion that rattled the Maitama axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The explosion which witnesses said occurred around 11am, was speculated to be a bomb blast, heightening security concerns across the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) swiftly confirmed the incident, seeking to allay fears.

Head, Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, who reacted to news of the incident, said: “Yes, there was an explosion. No casualties. FEMA was there. The FCT police are looking into it. It occurred at a dump site.”

The police further refuted speculations that the explosion was a bomb blast, clarifying that it was caused by overheated metal wastebin.

Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement said: “The FCT Police Command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on 24/01/2024 at about 1145 hrs, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja.”

“A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were immediately dispatched to assess the situation. Preliminary findings suggested that an overheated metal refuse container, activated under intense heat, exploded. “This resulted in injuries to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention at Maitama General Hospital.”

The police appealed to the public to avoid using metal refuse bins in order to reduce the risk of such incidents, recommending that use plastic containers instead.

Meanwhile the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed that vigilante groups operating in the country’s capital must undergo full profiling.

The directive became imperative following resumed kidnapping, killings and other armed violence across the FCT and its environs.

Wike directed the six Area Council Chairmen to set up the process and ensure that each member of the group was profiled.

Speaking during a strategic security meeting with members of the FCT Council of Chiefs and the council chairmen, the minister said the administration would continue to work with traditional rulers in ensuring foolproof security in the FCT.

He said: “We have asked all the Area Councils to set up vigilance teams and we believe that those teams won’t be the ones perpetrating the crimes. Therefore, they must be profiled so that they are known.”

He added: “We have told the police and other security agencies to itemise all their needs and we are going to meet them so that our people can sleep comfortably with their eyes closed.

“We thought that there is a need to meet with you and the council chairmen so that we can work in synergy and be on the same page. If there are things you think we should do too, we are willing to partner you so that the challenges we are facing now will be a thing of the past.

“You must work hard because insecurity is not written on anybody’s face. Anyone can be a victim and that is why we must do everything possible to ensure that our subjects are not victims of these criminals…

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“Again, you would have heard that we are demolishing shanties. You know criminals won’t want to live in known houses. They commit crimes and run to shanties that can’t be easily traced. So, we will continue to demolish shanties. You need to support us. You don’t allow people to bring propaganda. There is nothing like that.”

Wike also reiterated his resolve to roll out buses in order to reduce the incidences of ‘one chance’ or taxi robberies.

“Very soon we are going to roll out our buses which will be painted in Abuja colours and we won’t allow taxis that are not painted in our colours to operate so that this issue of one chance can be eliminated…

“This is the FCT where many Nigerians want to come and stay. So, we are more concerned because when the capital is threatened, the whole country is threatened. So, we are very serious with security. We are not sleeping. We are working 24 hours.

“We have met with the councils and we have told them the little we need which is information to be able to help security agencies that are directly involved in the fight against criminalities.

“Nobody would say there is anywhere in this world no matter how developed that has no form of insecurity or the other. The only difference is that it is either nipped in the bud or you are sure that if it happens the criminals are caught. But that is not an excuse for us. We are ready to ensure it doesn’t happen or when it happens, the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

“The president has given us a series of approvals to make sure that security agencies are fully equipped to fight this crime and we cannot do this alone without your support. You have a role to play in securing your domains. You know those around your domain. If there are unfamiliar faces, you can let the council chairmen know, so as to report to my office so that actions can be taken,” he added.

Responding, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed optimism in Wike’s ability to turn around the fortunes of the territory.

January 25, 2024
Abuja radio presenter dies after fatal truck accident

An On Air Personality (OAP) working with Info FM Limited, owners of Nigeria Info FM, Deborah Ohamara is dead.

Ohamara died on Monday January 15, 2024 from complications resulting from a fatal car accident involving her vehicle and a truck on Saturday, January 13, 2024, along Airport Road in Abuja.

A statement issued on Tuesday, January 16, by the Managment of the station read: “The Management and Staff of Info FM Limited, owners of Nigeria Info FM, sadly announce the unfortunate demise of Deborah Ohamara, which occurred on Monday, January 15, 2024.

“Until her unfortunate demise, Ms Ohamara, fondly called Debbie, was a staff and host of Sunny Side on Nigeria Info 95.1 in Abuja.

Deborah will be fondly remembered by the organization for her dedication, passion, unassuming smile and undeniable candour.

Read Also: Insecurity in Abuja: IGP orders DIG to coordinate upscaled security strategies

“Attempts to save her life at the National Hospital proved abortive as her condition was said to be critical by the medical team.

“Nigeria Info will forever be thankful to late debbie for her work ethic and the values she brought to the fore in our quest for transformative broadcasting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time.”

January 16, 2024