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Radio Station Shuts Down Operations In Protest Against Detained #EndBadGovernance Minors

Human Rights Radio, based in Abuja, has gone off air to protest the arrest of minors during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

The station’s owner, Ahmed Isah, made the announcement while participating in the “Berekete Family” breakfast show.

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Isah, who typically hosts the program daily, was not present in the studio, citing shock over the situation involving the detained children, who were arraigned on Friday.

During a phone call to the live broadcast around 8:20 AM, he expressed his outrage and ordered an immediate shutdown of the station.

He stated that the station would remain closed until Tuesday, when further discussions on the issue are planned.

“The station will then reopen on Wednesday to allow listeners to share their views through phone calls.”

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The Tinubu administration has faced mounting criticism since images of the detained minors circulated widely last week.

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Just In: Appeal Court Acquits Former CJN Onnoghen, Orders FG To Unfreeze His Account

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has acquitted former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen of the charges that led to his removal from office in 2019.

The ruling, issued on Monday, discharges Onnoghen from the six-count corruption charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

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Onnoghen was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 25, 2019, just weeks before the presidential election.

His suspension followed an announcement that he would inaugurate judges for election petition tribunals, leading to significant controversy.

The Nigerian Bar Association criticized Buhari’s actions, labeling them a coup against the judiciary.

Following his suspension, Onnoghen was convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for allegedly making false declarations to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Nearly six years later, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, headed by Justice Mohammed Bello, acquitted Onnoghen as part of a settlement agreement reached with the federal government.

President Bola Tinubu, through Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, requested the appellate court to pause hearings on three appeals filed by Onnoghen regarding his removal, conviction, and asset seizure.

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As part of the settlement terms dated October 24, the court ordered the federal government to immediately unfreeze Onnoghen’s account with Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited.

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Dangote Denies PMS Pricing Allegations, Insists Its Product Is Of High Quality

The Dangote Group has responded to recent allegations from petroleum industry associations regarding the pricing and quality of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from its refinery, saying its products are competitively priced compared to imported alternatives.

In a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote addressed claims from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), which suggested that imported PMS could be sold at lower prices than those offered by Dangote.

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The company contended that these assertions are misleading and could involve inferior products that pose risks to consumers and vehicles.

“We benchmark our prices against international rates and believe they are competitive when compared to import prices,” Chiejina stated.

He warned that any attempts to undercut Dangote’s pricing would likely rely on substandard imports that threaten the integrity of the market.

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Chiejina also criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for insufficient testing facilities, which could enable low-quality imports to infiltrate the market without detection.

Dangote Refinery highlighted its commitment to affordability by pricing its PMS lower than the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) post-deregulation benchmark.

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The company offers PMS at N960 per liter for ships and N990 for trucks, compared to NNPC’s prices of N971 and N990, respectively.

Additionally, Chiejina expressed concern over an international trading company that plans to set up a depot near Dangote’s facilities, intending to blend lower-quality products to create unfair competition.

He warned that such practices jeopardize Nigeria’s domestic refining sector, essential for economic growth, job creation, and reducing import dependence.

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“Countries worldwide protect their domestic industries to foster growth and innovation,” Chiejina noted, drawing parallels to protective tariffs in the U.S. and Europe on electric vehicles and microchips.

Reaffirming its mission to provide high-quality and affordable PMS to Nigerians, Dangote urged the public to ignore any “deliberate disinformation” aimed at undermining the refinery’s reputation.

The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to safeguarding local jobs and protecting the economy from “imported poverty.”

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Iranian General, Pilot Dies In Helicopter Crash

 

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An Iranian general and a pilot from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in a helicopter crash during an anti-terror operation in Sistan-Baluchistan province, according to state media.

The incident involved an “ultra-light gyroplane” and occurred in Sirkan while the IRGC was conducting combat operations in a border area.

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The deceased were identified as General Hamid Mazandarani, commander of the Nineveh Brigade, and pilot Hamed Jandaghi.

The operation in the region began on October 26 after a deadly attack claimed by Sunni militants resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers.

Reports indicate that Iranian forces have since killed several militants and made multiple arrests.

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Sistan-Baluchistan is a strategically significant yet impoverished region, home to a large Baluch minority that often clashes with Iranian security forces.

The province has been a hotspot for conflict involving ethnic insurgents, drug traffickers, and radical Sunni groups.

Helicopter accidents are uncommon in Iran, although a previous incident in May claimed the life of former President Ebrahim Raisi and others when their helicopter crashed into a mountainside.

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Popular Anambra Businessman Kidnapped By Gunmen

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A middle-aged man, believed to be a businessman, was abducted by assailants in the Alor community of Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The incident occurred late on Sunday as the victim was driving home from an event.

According to local sources, the gunmen intercepted his vehicle near Ezeani Primary School in Alor.

One anonymous source described the event, saying, “The incident occurred at about 6:47 pm yesterday (Sunday). The man was driving in his car, a Toyota Corolla with the plate number: EKY-102GK, before the hoodlums double-crossed him opposite Ezeani Primary School.”

“The suspected kidnappers shattered the windscreens of his car, smashed his head with the boot of their gun, bundled him into the boot of their car, and whisked him away. Although we could not recognise his face as blood had covered it when the assailants forced him out of his vehicle, we suspect he is a businessman and a member of this community.”

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“The victim’s car was abandoned with blood stains all over it. It was like a commando film as residents around the vicinity ran into hiding and were watching what was happening from their hiding places.”

This account is supported by a trending video on social media, which shows the abandoned vehicle on the roadside, believed to belong to the victim prior to his abduction.

On Monday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway.

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He said, “The Command has started investigation of a reported abandoned, but recovered vehicle in Alor Community, Idemili South LG. ”

“Preliminary information revealed that the victim was abducted by yet unidentified persons. Meanwhile, the operatives are working with the persons in the area for possible rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspects.”

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Lagos: Fire Guts Ajah Market, Destroys Goods Worth Millions

Fire erupted at Ajah Market, near Alesh Bus Stop in the Lekki area of Lagos State, on Sunday evening, resulting in the loss of goods valued at millions of naira.

The blaze began around 9pm, engulfing multiple shops filled with combustible materials.

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Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said that LASEMA, in conjunction with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, responded quickly to control the flames.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, as the market was closed at the time due to Sunday trading hours.

“The LASEMA Response Team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

Efforts to completely extinguish the fire and recover any remaining valuables are still ongoing.

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College Provost, Lecturer Arraigned Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought charges against Hauwau Abdulkarim, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Zamfara State, and Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer at the Sokoto State College of Education, for alleged certificate forgery.

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The ICPC claims the defendants forged an appointment letter, which was then used in Abdulkarim’s application for the Provost position.

They also face charges for providing false statements to ICPC officials during the investigation, violating Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

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In a statement released by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, it was noted that both defendants pleaded not guilty to six charges against them.

The first charge states that in 2023, Abdulkarim and Boyi conspired to illegally forge a “Notification for Appointment” letter for the position of Chief Lecturer, which constitutes an offense under the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.

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Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri, applied for bail, citing their clients’ established positions and cooperation with the investigation.

ICPC counsel Mr. Suleiman Ahmad did not oppose the bail request.

Trial judge, Justice Muhammad Sambo granted bail under specific conditions, requiring each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, each signing a bond of ₦1,000,000.

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After bail was granted, the ICPC prosecutor requested a trial date, asserting the commission’s readiness to present evidence and witnesses.

The case has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, when the hearing will commence.

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NASU, SSANU Halt Strike As NAAT Plans Continued Protests

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has announced the suspension of their indefinite strike, which was initiated over four months of withheld salaries.

This suspension will take effect on November 5, 2024, as detailed in a circular signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.

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On the contrary, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) will proceed with its planned nationwide protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Finance if the government fails to fulfill its promise to pay approximately 50% of the five months of withheld salaries by the end of their two-week ultimatum, which started on October 30 and ends on November 13.

NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma confirmed that members have received one month’s payment but are still awaiting the remaining funds.

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Ondo Gov’ship Will Signal Direction For 2027 – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has asserted that the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State will serve as a key indicator of Nigeria’s political landscape heading into the 2027 elections.

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During the inauguration of the South-West PDP Zonal Office in Ibadan, which he constructed and donated in memory of the late Olusoji Adagunodo, former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Makinde expressed that the 2027 general elections will represent a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian populace.

He stressed the necessity of unity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that a cohesive approach would hinder the APC’s chances in the election.

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He predicted that Nigerians would voice their dissatisfaction with the ruling party in 2027, mirroring the sentiments expressed in Oyo and Osun states.

Makinde also addressed speculation regarding his own potential presidential candidacy, emphasizing that he would announce any such intentions personally rather than through intermediaries.

He encouraged PDP members to collaborate and consolidate their efforts, stating that the forthcoming general elections would be framed as APC versus Nigerians, rather than just APC versus PDP.

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“The people spoke in Oyo and Osun states. They will do the same across Nigeria. Don’t worry; don’t believe that outsiders have control over our party’s future. They may try, but they will only succeed if we allow it,” he said.

Makinde urged PDP members nationwide to unify, particularly in the lead-up to the Ondo election in two weeks, which he described as pivotal for the country’s future.

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Prominent figures at the event included Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu.

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President Tinubu To Swear In New Ministers Monday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to swear in newly nominated ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

This announcement was made by Bayo Onauga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via a post on his X account.

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On October 23, President Tinubu dismissed five ministers and appointed seven replacements.

The Senate confirmed these new ministers on October 30.

The confirmed appointees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Additionally, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole will serve as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Idi Mukhtar Maiha has been appointed Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata will be Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad will serve as Minister of State for Education.

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