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Jailbreak: One Officer Killed As 12 Inmates Escape From Nigerian Custodial Center

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Twelve inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, following a jailbreak that occurred early Monday morning.

Sources within the National Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident, which resulted in the death of one officer.

Speaking on the development, the National Spokesman of the Service, Abubakar Umar, verified the escape and noted that all the inmates involved were Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI).

However, two of them have already been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining ten.

“Two of the inmates in our custody at the Koton Karfe medium custodial centre have escaped. They are all on awaiting trial but as I speak to you now two have been captured,” he stated.

“We are already working to capture the remaining inmates on the run.”

Umar also confirmed that one officer lost his life during the attack, while security agencies are deploying all available resources to track down the fugitives.

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US-Russia Talks On Ukraine Ceasefire Begin In Saudi Arabia

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US and Russian officials have started discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding a partial ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

These talks come a day after US and Ukrainian delegates held their own meeting, as Washington pushes for a resolution to the three-year conflict.

US President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift end to the war and hopes the Riyadh discussions will lead to meaningful progress.

Both sides have proposed different approaches to temporary ceasefires, though hostilities continue across the region.

Initially, the talks were expected to run simultaneously to allow for shuttle diplomacy, with the US negotiating between the delegations.

However, the discussions are now taking place sequentially.

Russia’s TASS news agency reported at approximately 0730 GMT that negotiations between US and Russian officials had commenced.

The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded its meeting with American representatives late Sunday night.

“The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points including energy,” Umerov shared on social media, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, Valentyna Guk sifted through debris from a heavily damaged building on March 7, searching for glass fragments to use in a mosaic, highlighting the war’s devastating impact.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the talks, suggesting that any agreement reached could lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive ceasefire.

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Police Inspector Runs Amok, Kills One, Injures Two

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Dailygazettenig
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A Police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, caused chaos in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday after opening fire indiscriminately, killing one civilian and injuring two others.

The deceased has been identified as Mrs. Ijoema Obot.

The incident, which occurred around 6 a.m., reportedly began after Bassey returned from his night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South.

Instead of surrendering his AK-47 rifle at the Atakpa Divisional Police Station, he allegedly cocked the weapon and threatened his colleagues.

A security source, who requested anonymity, told Vanguard, “Inspector Bassey who was on night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South started being hostile and erratic when he returned from night duty to Atakpa Divisional Police station.

“He blocked the gate of the station, refused anyone exit or entry into the facility, all efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue proved abortive.”

As the situation escalated, tactical teams were mobilized to contain him. However, upon sighting them, the inspector reportedly panicked and began shooting indiscriminately.

“In the process, he shot three persons including Mrs. Ijoema Obot, 41, wife of a retired police officer and two others. Mrs. Obot was confirmed dead at the police clinic while two others are being treated,” the source added.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, assured that the situation had been contained.

“The matter is under control, we have arrested the suspect, and the victims are receiving treatment as we speak,” she said.

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South Korean Court Reinstates Impeached Prime Minister As Acting President

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Dailygazettenig
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South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president after weeks of political turmoil.

The ruling comes as the country grapples with an ongoing crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law late last year.

Han assumed the role of acting president after lawmakers impeached Yoon in December for his short-lived declaration of martial law.

However, Han himself was later impeached over his alleged involvement in the crisis, as well as disputes over judicial appointments.

On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled five-to-one against Han’s impeachment, declaring that his actions in office “cannot be seen as constituting a betrayal of the people’s trust indirectly granted through the President.”

Two of the seven judges further argued that the case should not have reached the court, as lawmakers lacked the required supermajority for impeachment.

The ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed, takes immediate effect.

Speaking after his reinstatement, Han expressed gratitude to the court, stating, “I believe that all citizens are clearly speaking out against the highly polarised political sphere. I think there is no place for division now. Our country’s priority is to move forward.”

The ruling comes ahead of a much-anticipated court decision on Yoon’s own impeachment, which has been under deliberation for months..

Despite expectations for a verdict by mid-March, the Constitutional Court has yet to announce a ruling, making it the longest impeachment trial in South Korean history.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung acknowledged the court’s verdict on Han but urged a quicker resolution to Yoon’s case.

“The entire nation is losing sleep over Yoon Suk Yeol’s illegal military coup,” he said.

“Every day, every hour, every minute, every second, the international trust in the Republic of Korea is being broken, the economic damage is mounting.”

If the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold new presidential elections within 60 days.

However, legal experts say Monday’s ruling does not directly impact Yoon’s case, as the judges focused on Han’s individual role rather than the broader legality of martial law.

Yoon, who was suspended in December and arrested in January on insurrection charges, was released in early March on procedural grounds.

His release has emboldened his supporters, leading to mass protests both for and against him in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, ruling party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong welcomed Han’s reinstatement, accusing the opposition of “paralysing state affairs for 87 days with a hasty impeachment bid.”

He called on them to “apologise to the people” for what he described as a politically motivated action.

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Naira Depreciates At Official Market Amid FX Pressures

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Dailygazettenig
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The naira continued to struggle at the official foreign exchange market last week, depreciating by 1.25 percent to close at 1536.89/$ on Friday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the currency opened the week at 1,528.03/$, weakening further from the previous session’s 1,517.93/$.

It briefly regained some strength midweek but eventually slid to 1536.89/$ by the end of trading on Friday.

The depreciation comes as negotiations over the naira-for-crude agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and local refineries reportedly stalled.

Talks are expected to resume this week to resolve the deadlock, with discussions on extending the agreement still on the table.

Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in naira, citing foreign exchange constraints.

Industry experts warn that this move could further strain the FX market, as importers will need to secure large amounts of US dollars to buy petroleum products.

Despite ongoing efforts by the CBN to improve FX supply to banks and Bureaux De Change, the naira has remained under pressure.

Analysts warn that while these interventions may offer short-term relief, Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges require deeper structural reforms.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate a mixed outlook for the naira as demand pressures for the greenback intensify, with FX users and speculators continuing to exploit arbitrage opportunities. Nevertheless, we expect the CBN to sustain its weekly interventions to stabilise the local currency,” experts at Cowry Assets Management Limited stated.

In the parallel market, the naira gained N12 against the dollar, appreciating by 0.77 percent week-on-week to close at an average of N1,568 per dollar.

Afrinvest reported that the currency settled at 1565/$ in the informal market and projected a stable outlook supported by continued CBN interventions.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foreign reserves dipped by 0.06 percent from $38.37 billion to $38.35 billion as of Thursday.

Analysts at Cowry Assets Management attributed the decline to the CBN’s efforts to defend the naira amid limited FX inflows.

Foreign portfolio investors’ participation in Nigeria’s FX market remains low, partly due to concerns over fluctuating oil revenues.

As a major oil-producing nation, Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to external shocks, including geopolitical tensions that affect crude supply and pricing.

Last week, Brent crude prices rose by 3.0 percent to around $85 per barrel, driven by fresh US sanctions against Iran and OPEC+ reaffirming production cuts until June 2026.

Given Nigeria’s dependence on oil exports to sustain FX reserves, these global developments could directly impact forex inflows and the naira’s stability in the coming weeks.

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2027: APC, PDP Members Part Of Coalition To Unseat Tinubu – Prof. Utomi

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Dailygazettenig
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The Leader of the National Consultative Front, Prof. Pat Utomi, has confirmed ongoing efforts to build a broad coalition aimed at defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

He described the initiative as “serious business,” highlighting growing discontent within both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Utomi revealed that several members from these major parties, along with five other political parties, are eager to join the coalition in a bid to rescue Nigeria.

“This is serious business. Nigeria is on the brink at a time of a changing global order,” he stated.

He explained that the coalition’s strategy involves engaging key influence groups within existing parties.

“The approach we now take is to focus on core influence groups within parties. In this regard, there are good people who subscribe to our values and development strategy in APC and PDP who have significant following and believe there is a better way and have reached out to us,” he said.

Regarding the political platform for the coalition, Utomi noted that discussions were ongoing, adding, “The Social Democratic Party that you have referred to is a work in progress. About five other parties are going through similar processes.”

He further emphasized that “huge numbers are getting ready to leave the APC and PDP and have been reaching out. But the core must be firmly fixed.”

When asked about how the coalition plans to accommodate the various interests within it, Utomi stressed self-sacrifice and collective decision-making as the guiding principles.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently announced plans for a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with key opposition figures attending the event. Among those present were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi (represented by Dr. Yunusa Tanko); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal; ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; former Ogun State governorship aspirant, Segun Sowunmi; former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Dr. Salihu Lukman; Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; Chief Peter Ameh, and Soni Monidafe.

Speaking further on Sunday, Utomi reiterated that the coalition is committed to restoring governance and political discipline in Nigeria.

The NCFront had previously announced plans to unveil a mega coalition in June, with opposition parties and discontented members of the APC intensifying consultations behind the scenes.

Discussions include key stakeholders from both the North and South, as well as defectors from the ruling party and civil society groups.

According to Utomi, many stakeholders from the North believe that Tinubu’s administration has disproportionately impacted their region and are inclined towards supporting a coalition to remove him from office.

The coalition, he said, is designed to promote a government of national unity that prioritizes the common good.

“It needs a national unity government focused on a developmental state, bringing progress to every nook and cranny of Nigeria, not egotists and narcissists looking for state capture to burnish bloated personal accounts around the world while their country slides into the economic abyss,” Utomi stated.

He also insisted that decision-making within the coalition must be collective, saying, “Another point is that leadership of the new order must be collective. No more of the Buhari or ‘Baba sope’ approach that got in the way of a collective good goal in the past iterations of rescue missions. Decisions must be made collectively. We will not be victims of groupthink anymore.”

Utomi hinted that a “collective shadow team” would be launched soon and that, where necessary, people power would be used to influence the country’s political direction.

Outlining the goals of the coalition, Utomi emphasized, “It is to make democracy work for the people and to ensure a government with a people-centred focus accelerates constitutional reforms for a better working Nigeria.

“It also aims to redeem the collapse of culture in Nigeria as well as showing by example how a disciplined political party acts, especially in how more capable and values-driven people are recruited into public life.”

He further stressed that the movement is built on self-sacrificing individuals who are committed to disciplined organization.

“The change we deserve is about a core of people who are a self-sacrificing group focused on disciplined organization to move the apparatus of cooperation and state authority.

“It is also to advance the common good in an atmosphere of freedom that is democratic, transparent and people-centred because touts and criminals abound in many parties and will take money from those in power to simulate the appearance of crisis.”

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Firefighting Truck Crashes While Responding To Tanker Explosion In Niger

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Dailygazettenig
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A firefighting truck rushing to combat a tanker explosion in Kontagora, Niger State, was involved in an accident on Sunday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the truck lost control and skidded off the road while making its way to the scene of the explosion.

One witness said “While one problem is ongoing, another one arises. A fire service truck responding to the fire incident had an accident on its way to the current outbreak at the A.A Rano filling station near Kontagora General Hospital.”

The incident occurred when a petrol tanker caught fire while offloading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the filling station located in the Hannun Riga area, near the General Hospital in Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area.

According to residents, the fire started around 7 pm, causing panic as workers and passersby fled for safety.

Abba Mohammed, a resident, confirmed that no casualties were recorded.

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IGP Warns Officers Against Unlawful, Prolonged Detention Of Nigerians

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Dailygazettenig
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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, directing them to put an immediate stop to unlawful and prolonged detention of citizens.

Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun stressed that any officer who violates constitutional provisions on human rights will face serious consequences.

He made this known during a telephone interview with Daily Trust.

According to Adejobi, “The IGP personally noticed that we have some cases that are highly unprofessional. Some of our men are highly unprofessional due to overzealousness – they overreact to issues, they personalise issues, and this should not be.”

“And as the IGP, he feels concerned about the whole scenario. That is why you see that we have been issuing certain policy statements in the last 3 or 4 weeks. We need to change the narratives.”

“If you notice now, the incessant transfer of cases, unnecessary brutality and others have gone down. Though we still have some isolated cases, the Rome was never built in a day, it is a process.”

This directive follows increasing public concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions by police officers.

The IGP has reiterated the force’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring due process in all detention procedures.

In a statement issued after the interview, the police chief urged officers to maintain the highest standards in their interactions with the public while fostering a culture of accountability within the force.

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Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued In Anambra

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Dailygazettenig
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A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was kidnapped on Sunday morning in Anambra State, has been rescued by security operatives.

The operation was carried out by a combined team comprising the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVG).

DAILY GAZETTE learned that the priest was abducted at a petrol station in Ichida, Ihiala Local Government Area, by gunmen in a white Lexus SUV without a license plate.

According to the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the kidnappers were forced to abandon their vehicle after encountering the superior firepower of the security team.

However, they managed to flee with the priest before he was eventually rescued.

Ikenga assured residents that security agencies remain committed to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of citizens in the state.

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Mia Love, First Black Republican Woman In Congress Dies At 49

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Dailygazettenig
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Mia Love, a trailblazing conservative and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, has passed away at the age of 49 following a battle with brain cancer, her family announced on Sunday.

Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019.

She made history as a prominent voice in Washington, advocating for conservative principles and breaking barriers in the political landscape.

Her family shared the news on her X account, stating that she passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs.

“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully,” the statement read. “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”

Love had been receiving treatment at Duke University’s brain tumor center, but earlier this month, her daughter revealed that she had stopped responding to immunotherapy.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox paid tribute to Love, calling her a “true friend” and praising her “legacy of service” that inspired many.

During her time in Congress, Love championed issues such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, and immigration reform.

Although she lost her re-election bid in 2018, she remained active in political discourse, serving as a commentator and speaker.

ABC News reports that Love began her political career in 2003 when she was elected to the city council in Saratoga Springs, a rapidly growing community about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City.

She later became the city’s mayor.

In 2012, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House but narrowly lost to Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson.

However, she made a successful bid in 2014, defeating first-time candidate Doug Owens by about 7,500 votes.

Although Love did not center her campaigns around her racial identity, she acknowledged the historic significance of her 2014 victory.

She noted that her win challenged skeptics who doubted that a Black, Republican, Mormon woman could secure a congressional seat in predominantly white Utah.

At one point, Love was considered a rising star within the GOP.

However, she distanced herself from Donald Trump, who was unpopular among many Utah voters during his 2016 presidential run.

That year, when a 2005 recording surfaced of Trump making lewd comments about women, Love skipped the Republican National Convention and announced she would not vote for him.

Instead, she endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who later dropped out of the race.

During her 2018 reelection campaign, Love sought to distance herself from Trump on trade and immigration while supporting Republican tax policies.

Despite Republicans significantly outnumbering Democrats in her district, she lost by fewer than 700 votes to Democrat Ben McAdams, the former mayor of Salt Lake City.

The morning after her defeat, Trump publicly criticized Love and other Republicans who had not fully embraced him.

“Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost,” he said. “Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia.”

Following her loss, Love transitioned to political commentary, working as an analyst for CNN and serving as a fellow at the University of Sydney.

After Trump’s election, Love expressed acceptance of the outcome.

“Yes, Trump says a lot of inconsiderate things that are unfortunate and impossible to defend. However, his policies have a high probability of benefiting all Americans,” she wrote in a social media post.

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