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Tag: Kaduna

  • Kaduna commences “secret trial” of El-Zakzaky, wife

    Kaduna commences “secret trial” of El-Zakzaky, wife

    The trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, (IMN) Sheikh Ibrahim El–Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat began on Wednesday at the Kaduna State High Court.
    The Kaduna State Government charged El-Zakzaky and Zeenat with eight counts bordering on alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and disruption of the public peace among other charges.

    On Sept. 29, the IMN leader and his wife pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

    The State presented two Army officers who testified in secret before Justice Gideon Kurada of the Kaduna High Court.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports since the testimony was given in secret, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, told newsmen that the case was adjourned until Nov. 19, for continuation of hearing.
    “Two witnesses were taken and the trial will continue tomorrow.
    “The officers were put under cross-examination and they gave evidence of the operation that lasted between the 12th and the 14th of December 2015, and the role of the military in the operation,” Falana said.
    Mr Dari Bayero, who led the prosecution, did not speak with newsmen.
    NAN reports that on Sept. 29, the court dismissed a no-case submission filed El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat.

    In the motion, the IMN leader had asked the court to dismiss the allegations against him and his wife for lack of evidence.

    But in his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Kurada, dismissed the no-case submission, saying that it was premature to rule on the application to quash the charges against the defendants in view of the clear provisions of the Kaduna State Administration of Criminal Justice

  • Sad! Bandits kill 10 in Kaduna, kidnap 8 ABU students

    Sad! Bandits kill 10 in Kaduna, kidnap 8 ABU students

    Bandits on Monday killed no fewer than 10 villagers in Albasu village of Igabi Local Govermment Area of Kaduna.

    It was also confirmed that gunmen suspected to be Kidnappers on Sunday night abducted two persons and killed one person at Maraban Kajuru in Kajuru Local Govermment area of the State.

    Though, the authority did not state the number of people killed in Igabi, a source from the area put the casualty figure at 10.

    Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the incidents in a statement Monday night, said security operatives were after the bandits in the two areas.

    He also revealed eight students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) have been reported to be among those kidnapped on Kaduna-Abuja road Sunday evening.

    According to him: “The Kaduna State Government has stated that the security operatives are presently pursuing bandits in some locations in Igabi and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

    “The development follows today’s bandit attack at Albasu village of Igabi and Sunday night attack at Maraban Kajuru in the two councils.

    “Security agencies have notified the government that they are pursuing bandits in the area, and will provide further updates.

    “On Monday armed bandits attacked Albasu village located south wards of Malum forest in Sabon Birni general area and subsequently killed some locals, while on Sunday night at Maraban Kajuru, armed bandits kidnapped two persons and killed one person while escaping into a nearby forest.

    “Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sent condolences to the families and prayed for the repose of their souls.

    “The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabir Bala has informed the government that eight students of the institution were among those kidnapped on Sunday afternoon on the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

    *Similarly, troops on patrol around Chikun and Kajuru LGAs boundaries found a corpse of an armed bandit who died of gun wounds.

    “An AK/47 rifle and other valuables were found beside the decayed corpse.”

     

     

  • Gunmen kill eleven in fresh Kaduna village attack

    Gunmen kill eleven in fresh Kaduna village attack

    At least eleven people have been killed and many others injured by bandits suspected to be kidnappers who attacked Albasu village of Sabon Birnin in Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

    The bandits in their large numbers were said to have invaded the community at about 1pm on Monday afternoon, and opened fire on the residents, shooting in different directions, and in the process killed many people, and also rustled cows and other animals belonging to the locals.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, says Security agencies are already pursuing the bandits in the area with a view to arresting them.

    He also disclosed that bandits in a similar operation kidnapped two persons and killed one at Maraban Kajuru in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.

    He adds that Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sent condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.

    Aruwan also said that troops on patrol around Chikun and Kajuru LGAs boundaries found a corpse of an armed bandit who died of gun wounds, while
    an AK/47 rifle and other valuables were found beside the decayed corpse.

  • PHOTOS: Balarabe Musa buried in Kaduna

    PHOTOS: Balarabe Musa buried in Kaduna

    The body of former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa has been laid to rest in the state capital.

    He was buried after a funeral prayer was held at the Sultan Bello Mosque.

    The funeral service was attended by hundreds of sympathizers and political associates.

    Prominent among those present were two former governors of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Ramalan Yero.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Balarabe Abbass represented Governor Nasir El-Rufai who had traveled out of the state

    The Late Balarabe Musa died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 85, after suffering from a protracted illness.

    Friends, well-wishers, and politicians have described the late former governor as an incorruptible leader, a patriot, and a detribalized politician who built bonds of friendship across the divide.

    For Governor El-Rufai and Makarfi, the former Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party played progressive politics devoid of rancour and sectionalism

  • BIZARRE! Six-year-old raped to death in Kaduna, corpse dumped in cemetery

    BIZARRE! Six-year-old raped to death in Kaduna, corpse dumped in cemetery

    The corpse of a six-year-old, Aisha Ya,u, suspected to have been defiled before being killed, has been recovered from a cemetery in Kurmin Mashi area of Kaduna.

    According to reports, the corpse was discovered by a farmer, returning from his farm, and who alerted passers-by.

    Eye witness accounts as at the time of filing this report indicated that the girl returned from Islamiyya school on Sunday at around 11 am, changed into her playing clothes, and went out to play in the neighbourhood until her mother discovered that she had not returned.

    “The search for the girl began and she was found dead at a burial ground in the area by a farmer with sand all over her body”, a source, who sought anonymity, said.

    Effort made to speak with Amaratu Ya’u, the mother of the victim, failed because she was still in shock over what had befallen her daughter.

    A source close to the family, however, narrated that Aisha’s mother had raised alarm about her missing daughter an hour after she couldn’t find her, and this attracted neighbours who joined in the search for the missing girl.

    On June 28, while locals were in their houses due to the COVID-19 lockdown, a similar incident involving a minor uncovered the corpse of a little girl left at a Mosque in the same area. Her killer(s) are yet to be apprehended till date.

    Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, expressed sadness over the development, while calling on the Police to deploy all available resources to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes occurring repeatedly in the same community.

    “Right thinking Kaduna people are very sad about this unfortunate development”, she said, adding, “These criminals are still on rampage but they must be stopped. I am calling on the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna, CP Muri Umar, to help us get to the bottom of this’’, Baba said.

    Spokesman of the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Muhammed Jalige, who confirmed the discovery of the corpse of the little girl, cautioned against attributing her death to defilement.

    He said Police had already obtained a Coroner’s Form duly signed by a Magistrate’s Court to enable the hospital to carry out series of examination on the girl’s corpse.

    ” After the examination, the hospital can then release the corpse to the parents for burial”, he said.

  • Kaduna installs new Emir of Zazzau today

    Kaduna installs new Emir of Zazzau today

    The Kaduna State government has urged residents of the state to turn out en masse and participate in the coronation ceremony of the new Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Bamalli.

    Bamalli is to be installed as the 19th emir of Zazzau on Nov. 9, at the Muhammadu Aminu Square, Race Course, GRA Zaria.

    Alhaji Ja’afaru Sani, Chairman of the Central Working Committee for the installation ceremony, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

    Sani, who is also the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that arrangements had been concluded to facilitate smooth conduct of the installation ceremony.

    He said the new emir would host a special durbar as part of activities lined up to celebrate the installation.

    The Commissioner enjoined the people of the state to pray for peace, unity and prosperity of Zazzau Emirate and the state at large.

    Sani also urged the people to line up along the street starting from Tudun Wada to Kofar Doka areas of Zaria metropolis, to catch a glimpse of the new Emir and pay him homage.

  • Kaduna govt. lifts curfew across 23 LGAs

    Kaduna govt. lifts curfew across 23 LGAs

    The Kaduna State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in all the 23 local government areas of the state with immediate effect.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    According to him, heads of security agencies have been notified of the development. In the meantime, vigorous patrols and security surveillance will continue.

    Aruwan reiterated that the Kaduna State Government and security agencies will not condone acts which may lead to a breakdown of law and order, under any guise.

    He encouraged citizens to go about their lawful activities, and to report any observed threats, suspicious movements and security breaches to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room on the following lines, 09034000060
    08170189999.

  • Police arrest 157 suspected kidnappers, bandits, looters in Kaduna

    Police arrest 157 suspected kidnappers, bandits, looters in Kaduna

    Kaduna State Police has said it has arrested 157 suspected kidnappers, armed bandits, rapists, robbers, cattle rustlers and looters of public and private warehouses in Kaduna.

    Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the state police command in Kaduna on Friday.

    He also said 65 guns, including 24 AK47 rifles were among weapons recovered from the suspects.

    According to the Police Commissioner, “today, I am delighted to inform you that the Command in the last few weeks, in its onerous task of securing the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens of Kaduna State, has succeeded in arresting 157 suspects for various crimes which include; Armed Banditry, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Cattle Rustling, Culpable Homicide, Rape, Shop Breaking, looting of Govt’s/private warehouses, Theft, Shiite (IMIN) Militias to mention but a few.

    “Let me inform you that some of the suspects arrested have confessed voluntarily to various roles they played in the commission of the respective crimes they are being alleged and will be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction on completion of investigations and legal advice from the Ministry of Justice where necessary.

    “During the investigation, a number of recoveries were made which include; 24 AK47 Rifles, three Revolver Pistols, two Pump Action guns, two locally made Revolver Rifles, two locally made Single Barrel Guns,12 Locally made pistols, one type 06 Rifle, two fabricated Submachine Guns (SMG) and 17 Dane Guns.

    “We also recovered 2,056 Rounds of AK47 Live Ammunition, nine Rounds of 9mm Live Ammunition, 60 rounds of 5.56mm Live Ammunition, six rounds of Live Cartridges, six Magazines of AK47 Rifle, two Magazines of Type 06 Rifle, five Matchets, three Big Sticks, 24 Sharp Cutlasses/Knives, one Iron Rod, one Animal Horn, one Pinch, one carton of the nail, 20 Motor Vehicles of different brands and 14 Tricycles.

    “23 Motorcycles of different types, $29,500 Fake US Dollars, the Sum of N127,000:00, the Sum of N400,000:00 Fake Nigerian Currency Notes (N1000:00 denomination), two Vigilante ID cards, one Dagger, 473 Rustled Cows, 29 bags of Grains, two Bags of Sugar, 30 Bags of Soya Beans, one 50kg Bag of Beans, two Bags of Corn, 252 Bags of Adulterated Fertilizers, 60 different types of GSM Cellphones, four Computer Palmtops, seven Computer Laptops, one Panasonic AC Split Head, one Water Testing Machine, two Cartons of Pyrex Lab Equipment and seven bags of Granite stones were also recovered.

    “Others include; six Bundles of Clothing, six Blankets, two Cartons of Lace Material, 65 pieces of Matrasses, four Bundles of Zinc, 15 Wristwatches, one Wrapper, four sets of Military Camouflage Uniforms, 11 Ladies Handbags, 75 Bags of Dried Leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp, 16 pieces of Mosquito nets, 32 packs of plant fibre mosquito coil, three Cartons of Codeine Syrup, Sculpture of human skull, and one Steel Safe suspected to be containing money and valuables.

    “You will agree with me that in view of the recovery of the items, listed above in the cause of investigation within the period under review, it can be said that the Command has tremendously succeeded in fighting suspected criminals and criminalities in the State.

    “On drugs peddling, I wish to inform you that the arrested suspects, mentioned in my last press briefing dated 22nd July 2020 have been charged to court and are now awaiting trial. Meanwhile, more suspects have been arrested within the period under review and currently undergoing investigation with the recovery of 75 bags of dried leaves equivalent to 1,500 kilogrammes suspected to be Indian hemp.

    “I must at this juncture reiterate the fact that peddlers of all manner of drugs in the state must desist from it, as no peddler of such drugs no matter how highly placed or connected shall be spared from our eagle eyes and the wrath of the law.

    “In view of the above, I want to reassure the good people of Kaduna State that the Command will continue to be alive to its responsibility in ensuring that crime is brought to the barest minimum,” he said.

    The CP expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i for the support to the Command, swift response to the demand and yearnings of the public on #EndSARS Protest and Governor’s prompt inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry to look into the alleged brutality of the Police, saying that, the actions substantially doused the tension generated by the protest in the State and provided a platform for aggrieved persons to ventilate their grievances.

  • Kaduna condemns looting of COVID-19 palliatives, orders thugs’ arrest

    Kaduna condemns looting of COVID-19 palliatives, orders thugs’ arrest

    Kaduna State Government says it will trace arrest and prosecute those who looted COVID-19 items in the state on Saturday.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said this in a state-wide broadcast on Sunday, adding that security agents had already arrested some of those involved.

    Balarabe said, “There can be no other word but theft for describing the looting of food items donated by CACOVID.

    “We have met community leaders and made it clear that what happened yesterday will not be tolerated. There can be no excuses for the crimes we have witnessed.

    “The state is obliged to find and prosecute those involved in the criminal actions that unfolded yesterday.

    “For the sake of every law-abiding and hardworking citizen, we cannot indulge those who think they are exempted from the obligation to respect the law and the right of others to their lives and property.

    “Those who instigated these actions and who sadly persist in incitement should also expect to hear from the law.”

    Balarabe cautioned that “much of the looted property is a threat to public health, including the expired and dangerous drugs that were taken from NAFDAC and the 8,000 tons of chemically treated soybeans stolen from a private feeds processing company.”

    She acknowledged security agencies for averting the spiral of violence and arresting some of the persons involved in the looting.

    “I call on all the people of Kaduna State to uphold law and order and to cooperate with the security agencies as they enforce the curfew.

    “We call on citizens to remain vigilant as security reports indicate that persons desperate for bloodshed and anarchy continue to seek avenues to shatter the state, using rumours, fake news and incitement.

    “We call on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to assist security agencies to fish out the criminals involved in the regrettable spate of looting.

    “We acknowledge the citizens who have been active in verifying information and combatting fake news.”

    The acting governor explained that the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state was to prevent criminal elements from undermining the law and placing lives and property of the people in danger.

     

  • Kaduna extends curfew to entire state

    Kaduna extends curfew to entire state

    Hours after announcing the imposition of curfew in some parts of two local government areas, the Kaduna State Government has extended the 24-hour curfew to cover the whole state.

    Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday that the decision was to safeguard lives and properties.

    “This measure is taken to help safeguard our communities, protect lives and property and contain criminal elements who are looting public and private assets.

    “The extension of the 24-hour curfew to all the 23 local government areas of the state is effective immediately.

    “KDSG will keep the situation under review and regrets the inconvenience it may cause to law-abiding citizens.

    “The state government wishes to appeal to all residents of the state to kindly bear with the government as it takes necessary action to maintain law and order, and protect the right of citizens to live in peace,” he stated.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the government had earlier imposed curfew in some communities in Chikun and Kaduna South Local Government Areas.