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Matawalle’s Return to Sokoto Signals Doom for Banditry, Kidnapping
The return of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, to Sokoto State after two months has signalled doom for banditry and kidnapping in the region.
This visit, mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to strengthen efforts to eradicate banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities destabilising the region.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, stated that Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to combating insecurity.
“As directed by Mr President, I have returned to Sokoto State to reassure the people of this great region of our dedication to achieving all necessary objectives in the fight against insecurity.
“We will never abandon you, and I assure you we will win this war against the bandits and those supporting them in unleashing terror upon our people,” he said.
As part of his mission, the Minister expressed optimism about the ongoing military operations in the Northwest.
“I am confident that our gallant troops will continue to achieve successes through Operation ‘Fansan Yamma’ as we intensify our efforts against these criminals.”
Dr. Matawalle also called for cooperation from political leaders across all parties, urging them to support President Tinubu’s efforts.
“We must work together with all stakeholders in this region to achieve our goals. The federal government will continue to boost the morale of our soldiers and security agencies in this fight.”
Furthermore, the Minister warned the bandits and their supporters that the government would not relent in its efforts. “We will never be intimidated or show leniency to these criminals.
“We will not allow them any space to breathe or move freely. No matter how they attempt to blackmail or spread misinformation against our operations, we will remain steadfast in securing the lives and properties of our people.”
A courtroom drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja as Justice Ekwo openly dismissed the legitimacy of Barrister Pius Sunday Okeoma, who was representing the petitioner in the case involving former Minister of Special Duties, Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
During a court session, Justice Ekwo declared that Okeoma had no recognised standing in the case, as he had neither filed an appearance nor signed any documents related to the proceedings.
The judge’s remarks followed Okeoma’s previous attempt on 24 March to have the case transferred from its initial court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary.
On 28 March, Justice Ekwo firmly addressed Okeoma, stating, “As far as I am concerned, we do not know you in this court, and you have never appeared or filed any case here. This makes it illegal for you to be present.”
The judge subsequently referred the lawyer to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly from the Arewa Renaissance Group, which has raised concerns about the investigation’s integrity.
The group alleged possible collusion between investigating police officers and the petitioner, questioning the rapid pace at which the case was handled and the apparent lack of a fair hearing.
In a further twist, the father of the petitioner, Hadiza, publicly disowned Okeoma’s involvement, stating that his signature had been used in legal filings without his consent. He has since demanded that the lawyer withdraw from the case.
The Arewa Renaissance Group, through its coordinator, Usman Abba, has urged the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action.
The group has called for the immediate removal of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the gender unit at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, citing poor investigative procedures, conspiracy, and defiance of an earlier directive from the IGP.
The directive had instructed that the case be transferred to the Department of Force Intelligence, a move that was allegedly ignored.
The unfolding controversy continues to generate debate over the handling of high-profile cases and the transparency of Nigeria’s judicial process.
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, clashed with security operatives during a protest in Abuja on Friday.
The demonstration, which took place around Banex Junction in Wuse 2, saw protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine”.
Tensions escalated when some protesters reportedly began throwing stones at security operatives. In response, security personnel fired shots to disperse the crowd. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Some videos circulating on social media show the protesters marching through Wuse 2, while eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as security operatives moved in to break up the gathering.
Efforts to reach Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the federal capital territory (FCT) police command, for comment were unsuccessful.
However, a statement by Sidi Munir Sokoto, spokesperson for the IMN, described the security response as “abuse of power”.
He claimed that as many as five protesters may have been killed, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unverified.
“This is yet another tragic incident where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians who were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.
“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.
“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.”
The IMN has held several demonstrations in Nigeria, often met with resistance from security operatives.
The latest protest adds to a series of confrontations between the group and law enforcement agencies.
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Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked Muslims in the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Friday, Sambo Junaidu, chairman advisory committee on religious affairs, sultanate council, Sokoto, said anyone who sights the new moon should communicate to the appropriate authorities.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Saturday, March 29, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1446 AH, shall be the day to look for the new crescent of Shawwal 1446 AH,” the statement reads.
“Muslims are encouraged to look for the new moon and report any sightings to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
Junaidu quoted the sultan as praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon all the Muslims as they fulfill their religious obligations.
“The sighting of the new moon should be reported through the following numbers for onward communication to the sultan; 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 0803 5965322, 08099945903,” the statement added.
The moon sighting in Shawwal marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.