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Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention

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Protest Erupts In Abuja

Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention

Protest erupts in Abuja over Benue judiciary crisis, seeks Tinubu intervention…Coalition Petitions NJC, Seeks Tinubu, CJN’s Intervention

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja on Monday, calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing crisis within the Benue State judiciary.

The protesters, holding placards questioning the integrity of some judges, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk and urged the CJN to take action.

Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, criticized the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He accused Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, of violating judicial procedures by waiving the mandatory security deposit for petitioners at the Local Government Election Tribunal and later relocating the tribunal to Abuja—actions seen as breaching Benue State’s electoral laws.

Despite a Federal High Court order on March 7, 2025, barring the tribunal from sitting outside Benue, an FCT High Court presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu allegedly issued a conflicting order on March 14, allowing the tribunal to operate in Abuja.

Protest Erupts In Abuja

Protest Erupts In Abuja

The coalition described this as judicial overreach and called for disciplinary action against both judges.

The group also alleged that powerful Benue politicians in Abuja were colluding with top police officials to suppress protests against the tribunal’s relocation.

They commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for maintaining order during past demonstrations but condemned military intimidation of peaceful protesters.

The coalition urged President Tinubu and the NJC to intervene immediately to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice prevails in Benue State.

Crime

Mechanic Bags 2 Years’ Imprisonment For Stealing TV, Room Heater

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Mechanic Bags 2 Years’ Imprisonment For Stealing TV, Room Heater

Mechanic bags 2 years’ imprisonment for stealing TV, room heater. On Tuesday, Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos of Jos Magistrates’ Court sentenced a 14-year-old mechanic to two years imprisonment for house break-in and theft.

The convict had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge against him.

He was, however, given an option of a fine of N100,000 while also ordered to pay N300,000 as compensation to the complainant.

The prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the Nasarawa-Gwom Police Station on February 18 by one Nasiru Abdullahi, the complainant.

Court

Court

Mr Gokwat said the convict broke into the house through the window with two others now at large and stole a flat-screen TV, room heater, and 30kg of iron rod.

He said the value of the stolen items was unknown, adding that the convict also stole N147,000 cash.

He said the convict was caught with the iron rods and room heater, adding that his accomplices ran away with the TV.

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Boko Haram Hideouts

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NAF Airstrikes

NAF Airstrikes Destroy Boko Haram Hideouts

NAF airstrikes destroy boko haram hideouts. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision airstrikes on Boko Haram enclaves in Chikide and Degbewa, Borno State, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist group.

Acting on credible intelligence and surveillance data, NAF targeted key insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains, where notorious terrorist leader Ali Ngulde and his fighters were reportedly gathering.

A statement by NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, confirmed that reconnaissance missions identified a heavily fortified command hub equipped with solar-powered installations, prompting a surprise night assault.

NAF Airstrikes

NAF Airstrikes

“The nighttime operation successfully struck insurgent enclaves, destroying key logistics and command structures, igniting large fires, and eliminating multiple terrorists,” the statement read.

The operation highlights NAF’s growing dominance in day and night warfare, demonstrating that insurgents can no longer operate under the cover of darkness.

The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustained air operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to the region.

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Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles Over Non-Payment Of Ground Rent For 10 Years

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Wike

Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles Over Non-Payment Of Ground Rent For 10 Years

Wike revokes 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for 10 years. Mr Olayinka said that a total of 8,375 property owners owed a total of N6.97 billion as ground rent.

The minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved revocation of 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media, to the minister announced the revocation at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Olayinka said that a total of 8,375 property owners owed a total of N6.97 billion as ground rent as at the end of 2024.

He added that the 8,375 property owners mainly in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

“It is important to state that payment of ground rent on landed property in the FCT is founded on extant legislation.

“It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand,” he said.

Mr Olayinka recalled that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents.

He said that the publications yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.

“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of ground rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith,” he said.

He added that a 21-day grace has been given to title holders, who defaulted in payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, after which the affected titles would be revoked.

Also, the FCTA director land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the land titles owners who defaulted in payment, were from the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City.

Mr Nwankwoeze said that the FCTA would be sending revocation notices to the affected allottees in phase one districts from Cadastral Zone A01 to A09, affecting private companies, individuals, including government organisations.

He added that revocation was being done in phases and in categories, adding that phase Ii, would be next in line, after the revocation of phase 1 was completed.

He said that phase II comprised Gudu District, Durumi, Wuye, Katampe, Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, and Daki Biyu among others.

Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles

Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles

 

The director further said that with the revocation, the properties built on the lands would become FCTA properties, adding that the FCT minister would decide what to do with them.

“Once a title is revoked, the property reverts to the FCTA, so, effectively, all the 4,794 properties have reverted to the FCTA,” he said.

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