TheNewsGuru

Tag: Abuja

  • Just In: Fire guts Telecoms facility in Abuja

    Just In: Fire guts Telecoms facility in Abuja

    A fire on Saturday engulfed a private telecommunications office in Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, destroying items worth millions of Naira.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt that the inferno which broke out this evening started from the office before spreading to a building housing a local eatery in the area.

    According to reports, emergency responders are currently battling to curtail the inferno.

    However, as at of the filing of this report, no government officials in the FCT have issued any statement regarding the incident.

    More details to come…

  • IGP’s men reportedly nab Peace Corps Commandant, Akoh in Abuja

    IGP’s men reportedly nab Peace Corps Commandant, Akoh in Abuja

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly ordered the arrest of the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh over dispute arising from tenancy disagreement between Akoh and his landlord.the officers were sent by the Inspector-General of Police office but could not produce a warrant of arrest or detention order.

    A source confirmed Akoh was arrested at about 3pm and has been detained incommunicado since Friday over the tenancy agreement of the property located at No.57, Iya Abubakar Crescent off Alex Ekwueme Way, Abuja.

    Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) High Court sitting in Gudu had in a judgement ruled in favour of the Peace Corps when it held that the rent for the property would expire in 2025 but the landlord claimed and insisted that the rent had expired this year 2024.

    Justice M.M Adamu while ruling on the case with suit No. FCT/HC/CV/913/2023.

    on 27th June 2024 held that “Upon hearing the application of the learned counsel for the possession and writ of attachment executed against the Applicant on the 16th of February, 2024 is here hereby set aside.“

    The policemen were accused of ordering the hoodlums to destroy any properties at site and attack officers on duty while the operation lasted.

    Meanwhile the police have refused Akoh access to his family members and lawyers, the situation that has created concerns among the officers of the Corps.

    A group, Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI) condemned Akoh’s arrest and detention describing it as “unacceptable, illegal and unlawful.”

    The group therefore called for the immediate release of the Akoh adding that he had not committed any offence.

    On his part, human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, while reacting to the arrest on his Facebook posts and other social media handles lambasted the Inspector General of Police for resorting to “arrest” in a landlord, tenancy civil case.

    “It’s absolutely unbelievable that police officers from IGP’s office arrested Dickson Akoh over landlord and tenant dispute and have kept him incommunicado since 4pm today. Crazy things are truly happening,” he said.

  • Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct – Wike

    Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration’s efforts to develop satellite towns and rural areas of the territory is sacrosanct.

    Wike gave the assurance during the inauguration of the construction of Asuquo Okon Road (Road CN8), from Obafemi Awolowo Way (Arterial Road N5), to Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Arterial Road N1), in Abuja on Thursday.

    The project will also include other adjoining roads within the sector centre, Daki Biyu District.

    The Collector Road CN8, the 4th in the series of road projects that were inaugurated for construction in the Abuja city centre this week, is expected to be completed in May 2025.

    He said that besides the ongoing construction of roads in the six area councils, the FCTA would inaugurate the construction of four additional road projects in satellite towns beginning from Oct. 28.

    According to him, the provision of road infrastructure outside the city center is a key driving the needed transformation of the rural economy.

    He added that the measure demonstrates the importance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda attaches to the development of FCT rural communities.

    The Minister said that the efforts would ensure that the people who reside outside the city feel the impact of governance.

    He recalled that Tinubu had directed that development of the FCT should not be concentrated only within the city where the big men live.

    “Mr President insisted that development should also be taken to the rural areas where those who are considered not too wealthy reside,” he said.

    “FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of Abuja,” he said.

    Earlier, Me Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Asuquo Okon Way was an inter-district road connecting the Obafemi Awolowo Way in Jabi District to the Olusegun Obasanjo Way within Daki Biyu District.

    Ahmad added that the project, when completed, would open up the sector centers of Jabi, Daki Biyu, Utako, and Wuye Districts and equally increase economic activities within the areas.

    Also speaking, Abdurrahman Ajiya (APC-FCT), representing Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalda and Kuje Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted the importance of good road networks to the overall development of any city.

    He commended Wike for the development strides in the nation’s capital and urged him to do more considering the huge population movement into the city.

  • NAFDAC seals popular eatery in Abuja

    NAFDAC seals popular eatery in Abuja

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an eatery, “The Place,” in Wuse 2, Abuja, on Thursday, due to inadequate Good Hygiene Practice (GHP).

    The agency also confiscated food raw materials suspected to be contaminated with rodent faeces and droppings, citing unhygienic packaging.

    Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, Head of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, stated that the enforcement team acted on a tip from a customer and an order from Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

    He said that the operation aimed to promote public health safety and ensured safe, quality food for Nigerian citizens.

    Azikiwe emphasised that NAFDAC’s mandate includes supervising manufacturing, distribution, and adherence to regulations.

    He noted that all restaurants must comply with NAFDAC Food Hygiene Regulations, ensuring safe and quality food processing.

    Azikiwe said that the agency would penalise the eatery according to its regulations, which outline penalties for poor hygiene practices.

    “Before imposing penalties, NAFDAC will assess the eatery’s premises, staff, facilities, and raw material sources.”

    Azikiwe encouraged other FCT restaurant operators to obtain NAFDAC’s food hygiene documents and certification, highlighting the agency’s ongoing evaluations and potential benefits.

    He urged restaurant operators in the FCT to visit NAFDAC’s office or website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) for safety guidelines and information.

  • We will start picking up Beggars in Abuja from Monday — Wike

    We will start picking up Beggars in Abuja from Monday — Wike

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a warning to roadside beggars to desist from the act or risk being arrested by enforcement agents.

    The minister disclosed at Katampe during the flag-off ceremony of the construction of the access road to the newly flag-off judges’ quarters.

    He lamented that the number of persons who stay on the road is alarming which poses a threat to security in the metropolis.

    He then issued an October 27, 2024 ultimatum to the concerned parties to vacate the streets.

    Wike had on Monday, recalled how he revoked the certificate of occupancy (C of O) of some plots of land allocated to German construction giant, Julius Berger, in the Katampe District of Abuja.

    The minister spoke at the official Flag-Off Ceremony of the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters at the nation’s capital.

    The event was attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; and the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; among other dignitaries.

    Wike said 70% of funds for the project had been released after its approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. He said out of the 40 units to be constructed, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.

     

  • Abuja in panic mode after 12 corpses of suspected bandits were discovered

    Abuja in panic mode after 12 corpses of suspected bandits were discovered

    Residents of Tokulo community in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were gripped with fear following the discovery of 12 bodies, believed to be those of bandits, on Tuesday morning.

    Jerry Alkali, the councillor representing Igu Ward in the area, confirmed the incident, stating that the corpses were still present as of yesterday (Tuesday).

    Alkali further revealed that authorities had been notified, but no official explanation had been provided for the presence of the corpses.

    Another resident, who requested anonymity, stated that none of the victims were from the community, suggesting that the deceased may have been either hired or brought in before being shot by security personnel.

    Tokulo, the hometown of the current chairman of the Bwari Area Council, has experienced multiple attacks by bandits, resulting in the deaths of both locals and security officers.

    Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred in the Kawu community, also in the same area, where five bodies, suspected to be bandits, were discovered in September.

    An official from the FCT Special Anti-kidnapping Unit confirmed the recent incident but refused to provide further details on how it unfolded.

    Attempts to reach SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, for comment were unsuccessful.

  • Just In: Finally, AEDC restores power in some parts of Abuja after national grid collapsed

    Just In: Finally, AEDC restores power in some parts of Abuja after national grid collapsed

    The power outages Nigerians experienced on Monday evening have been restored in some parts of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company franchise areas.

    A check carried out revealed that places like Deidei, Suleja, Lugbe, Kuje and other areas had their light restored on Tuesday at about 5:15 am.

    Customers in the AEDC were told of the disruption in supply, which was attributed to the collapse of the National grid.

    In a statement on its Twitter handle on Monday, the company said that the system collapse occurred at about 6.58 pm.

    Be rest assured that we are working with relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon the grid stabilises,” it said.

  • Wike to stop ‘pick and drop’ in Abuja

    Wike to stop ‘pick and drop’ in Abuja

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike has said the Administration will stop commercial buses and taxis from picking up and dropping off passengers on Abuja roads.

    The minister stated this on Tuesday, after inspection of the ongoing construction of Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals in Abuja.

    He said that commercial buses and taxis in the FCT must operate from the bus terminals when the projects are fully completed.

    Wike who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the projects, also said the projects will change Abuja’s landscape and improve transportation in the nation’s capital when completed.

    He said: “By the time we finish these terminals you don’t need to be having those ones, we won’t allow buses and taxis to pick on the roads. Everybody has to move to the various terminals.

    “I’m so excited. This site (Mabushi bus terminal) was flagged off in July of this year, and within three months, you can see what they’ve been able to do.

    “The time given to them is 15 months to complete the project, but with the speed the contractor is going, I believe it will be completed before the 15 months. He (the contractor) even told us that by January, he would be able to hand over this project to us, this Mabushi, and the one at Kugbo.

    “The quality of work, you can see for yourself. If you were here when we flagged off the two, you would know that they’ve really done very well.

    “I’m happy that at the end of the day, the residents of Abuja would see that we have changed the landscape of the area; we have given them different transportation systems, which they have been yearning for but lacked for years. So, we are very happy with what we have seen”.

    On the bus terminal for the Abuja Central Business District, the Minister said the issues surrounding the project have been resolved, paving the way for work to commence.

    He said, “We had some problems there, but we have been able to sort them out. There are a lot of underground facilities that they’ve tried to settle with the FCDA. I’m sure that very soon, work will seriously start there.”

    Earlier while conducting the Minister round the Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals, the CEO, Planet Projects, the construction company handling the projects, Engr. Abiola Otunola, disclosed that a substantial part of the work on the bus terminals has been achieved, adding that the company was working round the clock to ensure the completion of the project by January 2025.

  • Nigerians react as mob strips crossdresser in Abuja (video)

    Nigerians react as mob strips crossdresser in Abuja (video)

    A video of a yet-to-be-identified cross-dresser being harassed and stripped in Abuja has caused a stir on social media.

    In the video, which surfaced on social media, a group of people could be heard confronting the trans-woman in a public space over his outfit.

    The cross-dresser wore a strip-coloured gown.

    The crowd, in an attempt to shame the cross -dresser for his choice of outfit, hurled derogatory comments as he tried to walk away from them.

    The young man was stripped before he left, with a warning not to wear such an outfit again.

    The video has sparked mixed reactions amongst social media users

     

    Mc Madness wrote: “Cross dressing thing is becoming a pandemic but regardless they don’t have the right to do her that way.”

    @paragayoudothis wrote: “This is bad, he’s human too and he gets to decide what he wants with his life, they should’ve let him be. They need to be arrested immediately.”

    Graduate  wrote: “Make them kpai one of them make others rest.”

    Chuks wrote: “Why is it hard for them to understand that they’re not acceptable in this country? And they would still work around in the neighborhood where people can hārm them.”

    Figar Boy wrote: “I like how the people around disgraced him, this is not part of our African culture. It’s absolutely illegal in Nigeria and would remain illegal till thy kingdom comes.”

  • CBN sells another $20,000 to Each BDC at N1,590/$ for Invisible transactions

    CBN sells another $20,000 to Each BDC at N1,590/$ for Invisible transactions

    In  its efforts at boosting foreign exchange liquidity within the retail market segment, particularly for personal and business transactions classified as invisible, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the sale of US$20,000.00 to each eligible Bureau de Change (BDC) operator at the rate of N1,590/$.

    This is according to a circular released, Wednesday , September 25, 2024, signed by the Acting Director of the Trade & Exchange Department, Dr. W.J. Kanya.

    This brings to the second time the CBN is selling foreign exchange to BDCs this month, and the seventh sale this year.

    The rate is N10 higher than the previous rate for the $20,000 sold to each BDCs earlier this month.

    According to the circular, the BDC operators are allowed to sell this foreign exchange to eligible end-users at a margin not exceeding 1% above the CBN’s purchase rate.

    This directive is intended to ensure transparency and limit excessive profiteering by the operators in the volatile foreign exchange market.

    The eligible BDCs interested in participating in this transaction, according to the circular, are to make the necessary naira payment to their respective CBN deposit account numbers.

    They are required to submit payment confirmation and all related documentation at designated CBN branches for disbursement of the $20,000.

    “This is to inform the Bureau De Change (BDC) Operators and the general public that the CBN will be providing additional liquidity to this segment of the foreign exchange market.

    “To this end, the CBN has approved the sale of US$20,000.00 to each eligible BDC at the rate of N1,590/$. This is to meet the demand for invisible transactions.

    “All BDCs are allowed to sell to eligible end-users at a margin of NOT MORE THAN one percent (1%) above the purchase rate from CBN.

    “Eligible BDCs interested in this transaction are directed to make the Naira payment to the CBN Deposit Account Numbers with them. Also, payment confirmation and all necessary documentation for disbursement are to be submitted at the appropriate CBN Branches – (ABUJA, AWKA, KANO and LAGOS) for collection of the US$20,000.00.”