Crime
JUST IN: Arraignment of Sirika, brother stalled
The arraignment of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and his brother Ahmad Sirika for alleged contract fraud worth N19.4 billion was postponed on Tuesday due to their absence in court.
The case was scheduled to be heard at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Garki Abuja. However, the defendants were not present, and they had also not been served with the charge.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the presiding judge, Suleiman Belgore, about the absence of the Sirikas and their lack of service with the charge. Additionally, it was mentioned that they were out of Abuja.
In light of this, the prosecutor requested an adjournment, which the judge granted. The arraignment has now been rescheduled for Thursday, May 23rd.
The charges against the former Aviation Minister involve alleged abuse of office by awarding aviation contracts to Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Ahmad.
This would have been the second arraignment for Hadi Sirika within a week, following the previous one on May 9th for alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud, also at the High Court of the FCT. In that case, Sirika, along with his daughter, son-in-law, and a company, were arraigned on six counts and granted bail.
Crime
Three Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
The attack comes 48 Hours After Bola Tinubu Visit.
Three people have been killed and one injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack occurred just 48 hours after President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau, where he met stakeholders on security.
The victims, Luka Sandu Pam (36), Samuel Davou (38), and Deme Saidu (36) were ambushed around 7 p.m. on Friday while returning from Gero on a motorbike.
They were part of a group of about 15 youths heading home from a mining site. Eyewitnesses say the group was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen, forcing others to flee.
Gyel Youth Leader, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, while Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders.
Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the killings as a sign of worsening insecurity. He noted the victims had gone to observe Good Friday before the attack.
Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Watch video below:
Crime
Ebonyi: Gunmen Assasinate Another Traditional Ruler
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
• Ebonyi map
Gunmen have assassinated another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, in what residents describe as a brazen and targeted attacks.
The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead at his private residence after the assailants gained access under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, and killed the monarch in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
The Chairman of Onicha LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, has condemned the killing as barbaric, confirming that security agencies have launched an investigation.
Police spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, also said that the command has commenced a full probe.
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
Crime
Tinubu Briefed on Jos Attack, Approves Extra Security – Mutfwang
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a detailed briefing on the recent deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, and approved additional security measures to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State disclosed this after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The governor described the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, which claimed over a dozen lives and left many injured, as “an act of terrorism.”
He said security forces have since restored calm following fresh disturbances involving looters on Wednesday morning.
“Additional security measures have been approved by the President in conjunction with state security architecture, while investigations continue to unravel the identities and motives of the attackers, who are yet to be fully apprehended,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu may visit Plateau State soon to commiserate with victims and affected families.
The meeting followed President Tinubu’s earlier high-level session with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and chart a coordinated response to the violence.
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