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Police arrest suspected cult leader in Rivers

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The Police Command in Rivers has arrested a suspected leader of an unnamed cult group alleged to have been involved in numerous criminal activities across Rivers.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

According to Iringe-Koko, the suspect, identified as Innocent Chigozie, 35, was apprehended by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) during a raid on his hideout in Okahia community, Etche Local Government Area.

“Chigozie is the leader of a cult gang that has been terrorising farmlands along Uzo Afor Road in Okahia community, Elele,” Iringe-Koko said.

She explained that the gang’s activities had caused widespread panic and tension in the area before Chigozie’s arrest.

“Chigozie, a notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect, was arrested on Jan. 30 at about 6:30 a.m. from his hideout following coordinated intelligence,” she added.

Iringe-Koko revealed that the gang had previously engaged police operatives in a gun duel in 2024, which eventually led to the suspect’s capture.

During the raid, the police spokesperson said that officers reportedly recovered an Automatic Pump Action rifle and two live cartridges.

“The suspect and exhibits are currently in our custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons,” Iringe-Koko concluded. (NAN)

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Pope Marks Month in Hospital as Footballers Send Messages

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Pope Francis marked a month in hospital Friday, with football players sending him messages of support for his recovery from pneumonia, including the captain of his favourite team, San Lorenzo.

Francis, 88, has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 and has suffered a series of breathing crises, with doctors initially warning his life was at risk.

While the head of the Catholic Church was declared out of imminent danger earlier this week, the Vatican has yet to give an indication as to how long his recovery might take, or when he might return home.

“Dear Pope Francis, from here, from your home, from your club, from your beloved San Lorenzo, we send you a big hug,” team captain Iker Muniain said in a video posted Friday.

 

The Argentine pope loves football and has long supported the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, where he went to watch matches with his father as a boy.

“We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you here as soon as possible. A big hug, bye!” Muniain said, standing on a pitch wearing the team’s red and blue kit.

Muniain’s message was posted on the Instagram page of We Play For Peace, a sporting and peace initiative supported by the pope.

Other messages included thoughts and prayers from Brazilian player Neymar — who sent Francis “much strength at this moment” — and from Croatian Ivan Rakitic and Italian Ciro Ferrara.

In another sporting show of support, the organisers of Rome’s marathon said the 30,000 participants would observe 42 seconds of silence — one per kilometre — for the pope ahead of Sunday’s race.

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‘Stable’
Francis was “stable” Friday, the Vatican press office said, after passing a “quiet night” on the 10th floor of the Rome hospital that has a suite reserved for pontiffs.

Although he is no longer in critical condition, the pope is still receiving respiratory assistance through a nasal cannula during the day and an oxygen mask at night.

On Friday he joined prayer and meditation services at the Vatican via video link, without being seen, as in previous days.

 

He also did some physiotherapy, the press office said.

Meanwhile the Vatican’s diplomatic corps took part in a mass for Francis led by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky published a message on X saying he had spoken to Parolin and “wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery”.

Francis marked 12 years of his papacy on Thursday, celebrating with a small piece of cake, according to the press office.

It said it would issue another medical bulletin Friday evening, but might stop sending a daily morning update.

Talk is now turning to when he might go home.

But Francis’s hospital stay, the longest and most difficult of his papacy, has raised doubts about his ability to lead the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.

“It takes time for an 88-year-old body affected by bilateral pneumonia to recover, also in terms of energy, of strength,” the press office said.

AFP

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Police reply El-Rufai, say no kidnapping gang in the force

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Kaduna State Police Command has said there is no kidnapping gang within the force.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan made this known in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

“The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El Rufai’s statement on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as Uba Sani’s ” kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police .

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-rufai

He said the former governor of Kaduna state further stated that Sani was remanded in custody by a Magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.

“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian police force.

“The Nigerian police is an institution created by the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act. These two statutes mandate the it to maintain law and order.”

According to him, in the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is suspected to have committed an offence.

“Individuals, corporate organisations and governments have the constitutional right to lodge formal complaints to the police.

“The police also have the mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence had been committed, such matter will be prosecuted or referred to court.”

Hassan urged members of the public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from frivolous and malicious allegations against any security agency.

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” We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also have the potentials of undermining the law enforcement agencies.

“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity, “Hassan stated.

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PDP: DWI Support Peter Obi’s Political Moves, Calls For Unity Among Nigerians

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The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has expressed strong support for the recent political moves by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, describing them as a significant step toward national unity and collaboration.

In a statement by the Director of Strategic Communication for DWI, Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, the group commended Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

He said Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the esteemed leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.

According to DWI, the visit marks a crucial moment in Nigerian politics, signaling a shift toward greater cooperation among political leaders.

Ahmed said: “We commend Peter Obi for his courageous decision to embrace the most powerful opposition party in the country, thereby positioning himself squarely within the mainstream political discourse.

“Peter Obi’s visit culminated in a respectful homage to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. This gesture not only reflects Obi’s recognition of the vital role traditional institutions play in promoting peace and unity within our communities but also underscores his commitment to engaging with all facets of Nigerian society.

“Traditional leaders have historically been instrumental in fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, and their involvement in political discussions enhances the legitimacy of efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion.

“We applaud Governor Bala Mohammed’s commendation of Peter Obi’s dedication to nation-building and inclusive leadership. Such praise is significant, as it emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among leaders from different political backgrounds.

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“It highlights a shared vision for Nigeria, one that transcends partisan divides and strives for the advancement of a prosperous and harmonious nation.”

The group echoed Governor Mohammed’s call for unity and politics without bitterness, urging all political leaders to prioritize dialogue and mutual respect in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

He added, “In this light, we urge Peter Obi to consolidate the momentum generated by this visit. By aligning himself with the PDP and engaging in meaningful discussions with its leadership, he has the opportunity to redefine his political narrative and amplify his impact on the national stage.

“Unlike former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who appears to have lost focus and is attempting to fight from the periphery, Peter Obi has the chance to be at the forefront of a transformative political movement that prioritizes unity and progress.

“Governor Bala Mohammed’s advocacy for unity and politics without bitterness is a timely reminder of the values that should guide Nigeria’s political landscape. As our nation grapples with complex challenges, the emphasis on mutual respect, tolerance, and collective responsibility is essential for creating an environment conducive to growth and development.

“Leaders must heed this call, recognizing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the capacity of its people to unite for a common purpose. Only through such unity can Nigeria hope to realize its full potential and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

“The Democracy Watch Initiative celebrates Peter Obi’s strategic engagement with Governor Bala Mohammed and the Peoples Democratic Party. We look forward to seeing how this collaboration will unfold and contribute to the greater good of Nigeria. We encourage all political leaders to embrace dialogue, foster inclusivity, and work together towards the common goal of national advancement.”

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