Adamawa Police Arrest Man for Killing POS Operator

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a identified as Umar SNU in connection to the gruesome murder of a 35 years old POS operator, Abbas Yuguda, in Mayo-Belwa LGA.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje said the incident occurred on 22nd March, 2025, when the victim was on his way home after closing from his business premises.

According to him, some group of people armed themselves with offensive weapons, attacked and inflicted severe injuries on his head and left him lying in a pool of blood. 

"The command's operatives attached to Divisional police headquarters, Mayo Belwa arrived at the scene and immediately rushed the victim to Cottage Hospital,  Mayo-Belwa, in a bid to save his life but sadly he was confirmed dead while on admission receiving treatment." He said.

He disclosed that one of the suspects identified as Umar SNU, was trailed by some angry youths and was subdued by the mob action before being rescued by the police, saying he was equally rushed to Hospital for medical attention now aiding investigation.

He said, "The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, has strongly condemned this act of violence and directed for a discreet investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice".

He also warned members of the public to desist from taking laws into their own hands, and urged them to allow the law to always take its course.

AUN Students Tackle Climate Change with Tree Planting, Water Solutions

A group of 15 students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has taken bold steps to combat climate change and promote peaceful coexistence through a transformative project under the banner Ubuntu for Peace.

With increasing environmental challenges and conflicts over scarce resources, the affected students are tackling three critical issues; deforestation, water scarcity and the farmer/herder clashes by engaging local communities in sustainable solutions.

The initiative, themed Common Ground, focuses on tree planting and water provision as essential tools for climate resilience. Across many communities in Nigeria, deforestation has left landscapes barren, exposing residents to extreme temperatures and reduced agricultural productivity.

The loss of trees has not only led to environmental degradation but also heightened tensions between farmers and herders over dwindling resources.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, the students have launched a tree-planting campaign to restore green cover, reduce the impact of heat, and contribute to long-term ecological balance.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, which was held at the Law School of the American University of Nigeria, the faculty advisor of the project, Prof. Peter Kenger, commended the students for their dedication and resilience. 

He applauded their commitment to providing sustainable water solutions, preserving the environment, and fostering peaceful coexistence among local communities.

"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and the work these students are doing is not only commendable but necessary," Prof. Kenger said. "By planting trees, they are helping to restore degraded land, improve air quality, and combat rising temperatures.

Their water provision efforts will ensure that communities facing scarcity have access to this essential resource. Most importantly, they are promoting peace by showing that natural resources should unite rather than divide us."

Through extensive community engagement, the team has mapped out key locations where tree planting will have the most impact. Their goal is to encourage residents to view trees as a shared asset—one that provides shade, prevents soil erosion, improves air quality, and enhances agricultural yield. The initiative goes beyond simply planting trees; it includes educating communities, especially schoolchildren, about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

In addition to tree planting, the project is addressing one of the most pressing needs in rural communities—access to clean water. Many communities in Adamawa State, despite being near the River Benue, lack safe drinking water for daily use. The students discovered through a needs assessment that many locals prefer wells over boreholes due to maintenance challenges. As part of their initiative, they are digging new wells and repairing broken boreholes to ensure sustainable water access.

Giwa Temilulowa Subedat, the project’s report manager, described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.

"This is a new opportunity for us to learn and gain valuable experiences. We've faced challenges, but we remain optimistic," she said. "We are still on the borderline trying to figure out the best strategy, but we are confident that our tree planting and water solutions will have a lasting impact. Climate change has made extreme heat a serious problem, and our work will help mitigate that. We also believe that communication is crucial, so we are ensuring that dialogue is an essential part of this initiative. Every party involved should be represented properly because our goal is not just to plant trees and provide water but to build understanding and cooperation."

The Ubuntu for Peace team believes that climate action is inseparable from community well-being. By restoring forests and ensuring water availability, they are not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also reducing conflict over resources.

The project has attracted international support, with partnerships from the Earth Venture initiative in the United States and the Manara Centre for Coexistence in Abu Dhabi. The team is set to travel to Abu Dhabi to present their progress, seeking further support to expand their impact. If successful, they plan to return and introduce additional sustainability measures to reinforce their climate action efforts.

The students acknowledge the challenges ahead but remain determined. Their optimism is fueled by a deep belief in the power of collective action. They hope that their efforts will serve as a blueprint for others to follow, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and peacebuilding can go hand in hand.

Sen Amos K. Yohanna Describes Fintiri as an Apostle of Social Justice, Inclusivity

The Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Rev. Amos Yohanna Kumai, has described Governor Ahmadu Umaru as an apostle of social justice and inclusivity in good governance.

Senator Rev. Amos Yohanna, stated this at a colloqium organized by the Haske Santumari Foundation and held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Center, Abuja. 

The Distinguished Senator represented Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at a colloqium graced by several dignitaries including former President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who also chaired the event.

Other notable personalities include; Senator Binta Masi Garba, Former Senator, Adamawa North Senatorial District, Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa, Member representing Madagali/Michika at the Federal House of Representatives, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Industries, to mention among others. 

In his address, Senator Yohanna extolled the virtues of Governor Fintiri, whom he described as an apostle of social justice and inclusivity in his administration.

He also used the opportunity and reminded the gathering that social justice is the bedrock of any stable society and, quoted from the words of the 16th President of the United States of America Abraham Lincoln who said ‘’Social justice is in the heart of God and the core of humanity’. 

He further congratulated the founder of the Foundation, Mr. Kudla Santumari Haske for joining hands with the People’s Governor to build a just and egalitarian society where no man is oppressed and everyone is recognized.

Subnational Entities Must Institutionalize Best Practices to Curb Financial Mismanagement – ICPC Chair

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized the urgent need for subnational governments to adopt and institutionalize global best practices in financial management to curb mismanagement and enhance accountability.

Dr. Aliyu made this call in a goodwill message delivered at the launch of the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index 2024 Report, themed “Strengthening Accountability Measures Through Technology for Resilient and Sustainable Subnational Development in Nigeria.” The event, organized by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), was held in Abuja on Thursday.

Represented by ICPC Deputy Director Mr. Okor Odey, the Chairman commended PLSI for its timely and impactful initiative in producing the SAE Index.

He noted that such efforts significantly bolster the fight against corruption and promote greater accountability at the subnational level.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with anti-corruption civil society organizations, particularly PLSI, to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria. 

He emphasized the need for sustained partnerships among government agencies, CSOs, and development partners to effectively combat corruption and enhance public sector efficiency.

The ICPC Chairman while highlighting the need for continuous capacity building within state audit institutions, emphasized that enhanced training and knowledge transfer would equip auditors to perform their duties more effectively.

He also called for the strengthening of legal frameworks governing audit processes, ensuring state audit institutions have the authority and independence to operate optimally as well as urged state governments to prioritize digital transformation in their financial management systems.

According to him, leveraging advanced technologies would facilitate real-time auditing, enable automatic detection of financial anomalies, and encourage public participation in financial oversight.

Earlier in his remarks, the Founder and Executive Director of PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, underscored the critical role of technology in strengthening accountability mechanisms. 

He highlighted the importance of fostering resilient and sustainable development at the subnational level and called for collective action to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition and awards ceremony for states that demonstrated commitment to transparency by publishing their SAE Index 2023 reports. Honored states included Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo. 

Osun, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, and Yobe emerged as the top five performers in the SAE Index 2024 report, with Yobe State receiving the SAE Index 2024 Championship Award. These recognitions motivate other states to embrace best practices in audit processes and improve subnational financial management.

The event concluded with the official presentation of the SAE Index 2024 Report, which highlighted key findings and recommendations aimed at enhancing subnational audit efficacy. 

The report provided valuable insights into the current state of financial accountability at the state level and called for alignment with global best practices in public financial management.

Notable attendees included the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedden Babatunde Ogunjimi, represented by Mr. Daniel O.; the Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, represented by Alhaji Ishiaka Mustapha. Also present were the Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Hon. Mai Mala Buni (CON), represented by Hon. Bulama Bukar, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts; as well as Auditors-General from Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Katsina, Osun, Jigawa, Benue, and Edo states.

The robust representation at the event underscored the growing commitment to improving audit practices and ensuring financial integrity across Nigeria’s subnational entities.

Fraud: Yola Appeal Court Frees Nglari's Finance Commissioner of N700Million

The Court of Appeal Yola Division on Thursday, affirmed the judgement of Yola High Court which discharged and acquitted former Commissioner Ministry of Finance, Hon. Jonathan Sanda Lamurde. News Platform 

The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed against Hon. Sanda Lamurde, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and upheld the judgement of the lower court.

Hon. Lamurde, former Commissioner of Finance during Governor Bala James Nggilari administration was earlier arraigned before High presided by former Chief Judge, Nathan Musa, for allegedly diverting the whooping N700million.

He was arraigned on 21 count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust and diverting funds to the tune on N700m meant for the procurement of relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He was tried for criminal breach of trust, forgery and using as genuine false documents, all contrary to section 306, 350 and 353 respectively of the penal code law of Adamawa state.

In his judgement, the former CJ discharged and acquitted him for lack of evidence, saying that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Not satisfied with the judgement, the EFCC filed appeal and sought for an order allowing the appeal and set aside the decision/ judgement of the trial court.

It also sought for an order entering a verdict of guilty and consequently conviction upon the proper appraisal and evaluation of the evidence against the respondent/accused.

Equally, it asked the appeal court to sentence the former Commissioner as appropriate on all the counts charge upon which he was tried.

Delivering his judgement on the case, the appeal court judge, Hon. Justice O. A. Adeghehin, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgement of the lower court for want of evidence.

Breaking: Yola Appeal Court Clears Sanda Lamurde of Corruption Charges

The Court of Appeal Yola Division on Thursday, affirmed the judgement of Yola High Court which discharged and acquitted former Commissioner Ministry of Finance, Hon. Jonathan Sanda Lamurde. News Platform 

The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed against Hon. Sanda Lamurde, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and upheld the judgement of the lower court.

Hon. Lamurde, former Commissioner of Finance during Governor Bala James Nggilari administration was earlier arraigned before High presided by former Chief Judge, Nathan Musa, for allegedly diverting the whooping N700million.

He was arraigned on 21 count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust and diverting funds to the tune on N700m meant for the procurement of relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He was tried for criminal breach of trust, forgery and using as genuine false documents, all contrary to section 306, 350 and 353 respectively of the penal code law of Adamawa state.

In his judgement, the former CJ discharged and acquitted him for lack of evidence, saying that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Not satisfied with the judgement, the EFCC filed appeal and sought for an order allowing the appeal and set aside the decision/ judgement of the trial court.

It also sought for an order entering a verdict of guilty and consequently conviction upon the proper appraisal and evaluation of the evidence against the respondent/accused.

Equally, it asked the appeal court to sentence the former Commissioner as appropriate on all the counts charge upon which he was tried.

Delivering his judgement on the case, the appeal court judge, Hon. Justice O. A. Adeghehin, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgement of the lower court for want of evidence.

ADHA's Bill to Establish Commission will Curb Climate Change- Hon. Yohanna Sahabo

As Adamawa State House of Assembly is legislating on a bill to establish Adamawa Climate Change Commission, the Member representing Mubi South constituency at the assembly, Hon. Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, says the commission if established will curb the effect of climate change.

The bill which is at the final stage of legislative processes was sponsored by Hon. Yohanna Sahabo, aimed at curtailing climate change effects on the planet earth which pose a threat to human existence.

The report on the bill was considered and adopted at the plenary on Tuesday, presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, after which the Speaker directed the Chairman Rules and Business of the hallowed chamber to schedule it for 3rd reading.

The new bill is tagged, " A bill for a law to establish Adamawa State Climate Change Commission to provide for mainstreaming of climate change actions and to provide for other matters incidental thereto".

Speaking on the merits of the legislation, the Member representing Mubi South constituency, Hon. Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, said that the importance of the bill cannot be over-emphasized.

Hon. Yohanna Sahabo explained that the primary function of the commission is to curb the effect of climate change, adding that it will partner with donor agencies and organisations around the world and harness resources to save the planet earth starting from Adamawa state.

He lamented that the emission of gasses from industries and motor vehicles, indiscriminate felling of trees and several other man made problems adversely affect the planet earth resulting to drought and flooding in different parts of the world, including food insecurity, pest invasion, biodiversity loss, famine, decreased mortality, ecosystem damage, and soil erosion, among others.

According to him, a number of human activities are damaging ozone layer thereby causing global warming, lamenting that in this part of the world use of motor vehicles and indiscriminate felling of trees and charcoal making contribute to the challenges confronting humanity today.

He observed with concern how people indiscriminately cut down trees without planting others to serve as a replacement, saying that trees take carbon monoxide from human system and release oxygen to them.

He said that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had banned felling of trees for charcoal purposes and that people need to abide by it.

The legislator said that is why the fight against land degradation, desertification, and drought in Adamawa and Nigeria and elsewhere across the globe is a joint one and demands multi-faceted approaches, saying that their effort as lawmakers is to save the planet earth.

He added that living in a green environment itself is healthy and that the concern of the hallowed chamber is the planet earth, saying that people are killing themselves with some the actions they take on the environment.