ADAMAWA VIGILANTES GUN DOWN 3 KIDNAPPERS WHILE COLLECTING RANSOM

Three suspected kidnappers were gunned down, while collecting ransom demanded before the release of their victim in Song Local Government Area, Adamawa state.

The killing followed an actionable operational techniques, which led vigilantes in Murke, Song LGA ambushing the kidnappers who came out of the bush around 8:30pm on Thursday for the collection of ransom demanded before the release of their victim, Queen Bakomi.

Two of the kidnappers were shot dead on the spot, while one other ran into the bush with gunshot wounds, but was later apprehended with the captive successfully freed in the operation.

Sources from Balma community informed NEWS PLATFORM that the hoodlums had earlier stormed the residence of Bakomi Andrawus, where they shot him on his chest which led to his untimely death.

After killing Bakomi, the kidnappers went on and abducted Queen, the daugther of the deceased where she spent 6 days in the bush with the suspects demanding N2million ransom before releasing her. 

The family had while preparing for the burial of late Bakomi, who was shot dead by the suspects, taxed themselves and raised the sum of N170, 000, in order to secure the release of the girl.

Family source told NEWS PLATFORM that after pleading with the abductors and informing them about the financial condition of the family, they (kidnappers) agreed to collect whatever amount of money they raised to that effect.

It was at this point that the suspected kidnappers directed the representatives of family to take the money to a particular place in the bush for collection.

But considering the plight of the family, the vigilantes resolved to confront the kidnappers where they ambushed and killed 2 of them on the spot, while the other suspect who ran into the bush with bullet wounds, was later trailed and shot dead.

Reacting on the development, the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the incident.

ADAMAWA VIGILANTES GUN DOWN 3 KIDNAPPERS WHILE COLLECTING RANSOM

Three suspected kidnappers were gunned down, while collecting ransom demanded before the release of their victim in Song Local Government Area, Adamawa state.

The killing followed an actionable operational techniques, which led vigilantes in Murke, Song LGA ambushing the kidnappers who came out of the bush around 8:30pm on Thursday for the collection of ransom demanded before the release of their victim, Queen Bakomi.

Two of the kidnappers were shot dead on the spot, while one other ran into the bush with gunshot wounds, but was later apprehended with the captive successfully freed in the operation.

Sources from Balma community informed NEWS PLATFORM that the hoodlums had earlier stormed the residence of Bakomi Andrawus, where they shot him on his chest which led to his untimely death.

After killing Bakomi, the kidnappers went on and abducted Queen, the daugther of the deceased where she spent 6 days in the bush with the suspects demanding N2million ransom before releasing her. 

The family had while preparing for the burial of late Bakomi, who was shot dead by the suspects, taxed themselves and raised the sum of N170, 000, in order to secure the release of the girl.

Family source told NEWS PLATFORM that after pleading with the abductors and informing them about the financial condition of the family, they (kidnappers) agreed to collect whatever amount of money they raised to that effect.

It was at this point that the suspected kidnappers directed the representatives of family to take the money to a particular place in the bush for collection.

But considering the plight of the family, the vigilantes resolved to confront the kidnappers where they ambushed and killed 2 of them on the spot, while the other suspect who ran into the bush with bullet wounds, was later trailed and shot dead.

Reacting on the development, the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the incident.

LUNGUDA COMMUNITY PROTESTS DESTRUCTION OF FARMLANDS BY WAJA, SEEKS END TO FRESH ATTACKS

Men and Women of Boshikiri in Dumna District, Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the destruction of about 85 farmlands and crops by men suspected to Waja.

Some men suspected to be Waja had on Saturday night invaded farmlands belonging to Lunguda men and women with cutlasses and sprayers and cut down guine corn, maize as well as sprayed herbicides suspected to be 24D on soya beans, beans among other crops, causing huge losses to farmers and communities.

The protesters appealed to both federal and state governments to act within14-days with a view to bringing an end to fresh attacks on their farmlands and crops or else resort to self defence.

The aggrieved Lunguda men and women who wore symbolic black outfits and carried placards, stormed the affected farmlands wailing, while demanding government's action against "wanton destruction" of their nearly harvested crops.

According to them, the fortunes of farmers in Dumna district, Guyuk LGA have been reversed by the invasion; thereby putting hundreds of families and communities on the verge of famine.

Cross section of the protesters further lamented that Waja community is paying lip service to the peace initiative being championed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his counterpart of Gombe state, Inuwa Yahaya, saying that the people do not mean well for the peace initiative.

They added that the recent havoc wrecked on their farmlands by Waja is the seventh (7th) attack after the peace initiative was introduced by Governor Fintiri, saying that the people have been pushing them to the wall even without any provocation.

The protesters however applauded Governor Fintiri' s led administration for its timely intervention in all the issues affecting Lunguda as a community, and promised to continue to be law abiding citizens for peace and development not only in their communities but across the state.

While calling for immediate arrest of those who destroyed their farmlands and crops, the protesters urged on the government to as a matter of urgency ban the operation of "Special Hunters"in Lafiya, Lamurde LGA in the interest of peace.

Speaking to newsmen while on the spot assessment of the damages recorded so far, the Member representing Guyuk constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Adwawa Donglock, commiserated with his constituents over the recent destruction of their farmlands and crops.

The legislator condenmed the act in its totality, saying that he has not seen the reason why government will be striving assidously to broker truce, while some people are hell bent in truncating the peace process initiated by the government. 

Hon. Adwawa, who is the Deputy Chief of the hallowed chamber, said that he has been part of the ongoing peace talks between the two communities who had been living together in peace for decades, saying that government will not in anyway allow the peace initiative to fail.

He commended Governor Fintiri's effort towards bringing an end to clashes between the communities, and appealed to the government come to the aid of those affected by the destruction so as to get what they will fend for themselves and their families as nothing can be planted at moment.

The Lawmaker pleaded with more especially the youth not to take laws into their own hands but wait for government's action, saying that he is confident that Governor Fintiri, who has the love of Guyuk and Lunguda people at heart will not disappoint them.

Also speaking, the District Head of Dumna, Mathew Amfani, observed that it is disturbing to find out that his subjects who have chosen to live in peace with their neighbours are being treated this way, pointing out that the action of Waja community towards his people calls for serious concern.

He urged on the government to expedite effort to end series of attacks on the farmlands of his subjects by Waja before it becomes something else, and called on the government to reach out to those that lost their farms with the needed support to keep them alive.

On his part, the Chairman Dumna District Development Association, Nelson Dalko, told newsmen that Lunguda man or woman does not forment trouble, but the treatement of Waja to their people is making them to think otherwise.

Baring her mind, one of the protesters, Patience Wycliffe, who described the act as barbaric and animalistic, appealed to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and arrest them, advocating for more practical steps on the part of government and relevant authorities.

Patience, disclosed that they have no any other source of livelihood except farming, and that if somebody will come over night and cut down or spray herbicides on your farm does not want you to live.

LUNGUDA COMMUNITY PROTESTS DESTRUCTION OF FARMLANDS BY WAJA, SEEKS END TO FRESH ATTACKS

Men and Women of Boshikiri in Dumna District, Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the destruction of about 85 farmlands and crops by men suspected to Waja.

Some men suspected to be Waja had on Saturday night invaded farmlands belonging to Lunguda men and women with cutlasses and sprayers and cut down guine corn, maize as well as sprayed herbicides suspected to be 24D on soya beans, beans among other crops, causing huge losses to farmers and communities.

The protesters appealed to both federal and state governments to act within14-days with a view to bringing an end to fresh attacks on their farmlands and crops or else resort to self defence.

The aggrieved Lunguda men and women who wore symbolic black outfits and carried placards, stormed the affected farmlands wailing, while demanding government's action against "wanton destruction" of their nearly harvested crops.

According to them, the fortunes of farmers in Dumna district, Guyuk LGA have been reversed by the invasion; thereby putting hundreds of families and communities on the verge of famine.

Cross section of the protesters further lamented that Waja community is paying lip service to the peace initiative being championed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his counterpart of Gombe state, Inuwa Yahaya, saying that the people do not mean well for the peace initiative.

They added that the recent havoc wrecked on their farmlands by Waja is the seventh (7th) attack after the peace initiative was introduced by Governor Fintiri, saying that the people have been pushing them to the wall even without any provocation.

The protesters however applauded Governor Fintiri' s led administration for its timely intervention in all the issues affecting Lunguda as a community, and promised to continue to be law abiding citizens for peace and development not only in their communities but across the state.

While calling for immediate arrest of those who destroyed their farmlands and crops, the protesters urged on the government to as a matter of urgency ban the operation of "Special Hunters"in Lafiya, Lamurde LGA in the interest of peace.

Speaking to newsmen while on the spot assessment of the damages recorded so far, the Member representing Guyuk constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Adwawa Donglock, commiserated with his constituents over the recent destruction of their farmlands and crops.

The legislator condenmed the act in its totality, saying that he has not seen the reason why government will be striving assidously to broker truce, while some people are hell bent in truncating the peace process initiated by the government. 

Hon. Adwawa, who is the Deputy Chief of the hallowed chamber, said that he has been part of the ongoing peace talks between the two communities who had been living together in peace for decades, saying that government will not in anyway allow the peace initiative to fail.

He commended Governor Fintiri's effort towards bringing an end to clashes between the communities, and appealed to the government come to the aid of those affected by the destruction so as to get what they will fend for themselves and their families as nothing can be planted at moment.

The Lawmaker pleaded with more especially the youth not to take laws into their own hands but wait for government's action, saying that he is confident that Governor Fintiri, who has the love of Guyuk and Lunguda people at heart will not disappoint them.

Also speaking, the District Head of Dumna, Mathew Amfani, observed that it is disturbing to find out that his subjects who have chosen to live in peace with their neighbours are being treated this way, pointing out that the action of Waja community towards his people calls for serious concern.

He urged on the government to expedite effort to end series of attacks on the farmlands of his subjects by Waja before it becomes something else, and called on the government to reach out to those that lost their farms with the needed support to keep them alive.

On his part, the Chairman Dumna District Development Association, Nelson Dalko, told newsmen that Lunguda man or woman does not forment trouble, but the treatement of Waja to their people is making them to think otherwise.

Baring her mind, one of the protesters, Patience Wycliffe, who described the act as barbaric and animalistic, appealed to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and arrest them, advocating for more practical steps on the part of government and relevant authorities.

Patience, disclosed that they have no any other source of livelihood except farming, and that if somebody will come over night and cut down or spray herbicides on your farm does not want you to live.

5 KILLED AS CAR RAMS INTO TREE ALONG YOLA-MUBI ROAD

A total of five people have been killed when the car they were travelling in from Yola to Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa state on Monday rammed into tree.

The deceased, four male and one female including the driver of the car left Yola around 4:00 pm to Michika, but the driver of the car lost control near Madugu in Girei Local Government Area, and hit a tree.

An eyewitness told NEWS PLATFORM that all those travelling in the Toyota starlet died on the spot, and advised motorists to avoid reckless and careless driving in order to save lives.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, DSP Suileiman Yahaya Nguroje, said that driving had a self accident on its way to Michika LGA.

DSP Nguroje, confirmed that all the 5 people in the vehicle including the driver died in the accident, and commiserated with the families of the deceased. 

5 KILLED AS CAR RAMS INTO TREE ALONG YOLA-MUBI ROAD

A total of five people have been killed when the car they were travelling in from Yola to Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa state on Monday rammed into tree.

The deceased, four male and one female including the driver of the car left Yola around 3:00 pm to Michika, but the driver of the car lost control near Malama Duku in Girei Local Government Area, and hit a tree.

An eyewitness told NEWS PLATFORM that all those travelling in the Toyota starlet died on the spot, and advised motorists to avoid reckless and careless driving in order to save lives.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, DSP Suileiman Yahaya Nguroje, said that driving had a self accident on its way to Michika LGA.

DSP Nguroje, confirmed that all the 5 people in the vehicle including the driver died in the accident, and commiserated with the families of the deceased. 

MAN BEATS YOLA SECURITY GUARD TO DEATH FOR CAUSING HIS DISMISSAL FROM SERVICE

A 40 year old man, Iliyasu Sule, of Ngurore ward in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa state has been arrested for allegedly beating a private security guard to death.

Sule was said to have hit the security guard of a Service Providers' Company at Kwanan Waya in Yola South LGA, with the stick two times which led to his demise on the spot for causing his dismissal from service.

Speaking exclusively to NEWS PLATFORM at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police headquaters in Yola, the accused person and father of 3, said that he was employed by the company in 2020 and was sacked in July, 2021, due to cases of theft.

He confessed that he stole the company's iron rod and sold it to scavenger at the sum of N5000, saying that the company reported him to police at Namtari in Yola South who subsequently investigated the matter and recovered the iron rod.

He said that the management of the company threatened to sack him, but after pleading, the company decided to allow him to continue with his work, saying that he worked in the company for the period of one year.

He narrated that sometimes later, somebody stole the property of the company, but that the management of the company insisted that he must be resposible for it, saying that he vehemently denied committing the act.

According to him, the company disengaged him in July, 2021, following cases of theft and employed another man to serve as security guard, saying that few days later, he armed himself with a stick and invaded the company in the night where he met the new security guard sleeping and hit him with the stick on his head.

He said that his victim died on the spot, and that he was later trailed and apprehended by the police in connection to the crime.

When contacted, the Image maker of the state police command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, saying that the accused person is currently being investigated after which he will be charged to court.

TWO ADAMAWA VIGILANTES TURN KIDNAPPERS SHOT MAN DEAD

Two local Vigilantes, Abdulrahaman Alhaji Yakubu and Suleiman Lawan of Murke in Song Local Government Area, Adamawa state who turned kidnappers have been arrested for allegedly killing a man in village near Gombedeked along Dumne road in Song LGA.

Abdulrahaman who is 30 years old and father of 5 and Suleiman who is 35 years old and has 10 children, are currently being investigated by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), police headquarters, Yola,  in connection to the crime.

The suspected kidnappers and 3 others now at large were said to have stormed the village on the 5th August, 2021, in the night for random kidnapping during which they invaded the residence of the victim and abducted his son. 

But while the kidnappers were dragging the boy out of the house so as to take him into the bush for ransom, his elder brother confronted them and in the process one of the suspects, Suleiman fired a gun shot, but could not touch him.

When the elder brother of the boy resisted an attempt by the suspects to take his younger brother away, another member of the gang opened another fire on him, but he also escaped.

It was further learnt that the father of the boy who was coming out of his room, was hit on the stomach by the stray bullet as a result of which he died on the spot. 

But when the neighbours heard gunshots, they came out from their houses and pursued the suspects; thereby, rescuing the boy.

The following morning, other local vigilantes followed the foot steps of the suspects right from the scene of the crime to their various houses where they apprehended them.

When contact for confirmation, the Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, told NEWS PLATFORM that the suspects are in police custody, and that they are being investigated after which they will be charged to court for prosecution.

MAN BEATS WIFE, MOTHER OF 5, BREAKS HER LOWER JAW, DAMAGES HER EYE IN ADAMAWA

A man simply identified as Zakaria Waye of Girei town in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa state has beaten his wife, Ruth Zakaria, to the extend of breaking her lower jaw and damaging her left eye.

Zakaria, was alleged to have badly brutalised his middle age wife, and ended up breaking her lower jaw as well as damaging her left eye during a quarrel on Thursday.

Already, the accused person has been remanded in a prison custody as ordered by Chief Magistrate Abdulrazak Adamu, of Chief Magistrate Court 4 in Yola after he admitted beating her.

Ruth who bore 5 children for Zakaria, could not be able to talk when she was brought to court on Thursday, due to surgery and stitching/wiring of her broken jaw.

The husband was alleged to have beaten his wife for about 7 times whenever misunderstanding between him and his wife ensued even in the presence of their children.

But when arrested and brought to court for offences of causing a grievious hurt among other offences, Zakaria pleaded guilty.

He told the court that his wife should be blamed for the trouble in the family, alleging that she held his private part; hence yestarday's beating.

The court presided by Magistrate Abdulrazak Adamu, ordered that the accused be remanded at Yola Correctional Centre, and adjourned the matter to the 22nd November, 2021, for hearing.

MAN BEATS WIFE, MOTHER OF 5, BREAKS HER LOWER JAW, DAMAGES HER EYE IN ADAMAWA

A man simply identified as Zakaria Waye of Girei town in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa state has beaten his wife, Ruth Zakaria, to the extend of breaking her lower jaw and damaging her left eye.

Zakaria, was alleged to have badly brutalised his middle age wife, and ended up breaking her lower jaw as well as damaging her left eye during a quarrel on Thursday.

Already, the accused person has been remanded in a prison custody as ordered by Chief Magistrate Abdulrazak Adamu, of Chief Magistrate Court 4 in Yola after he admitted beating her.

Ruth who bore 5 children for Zakaria, could not be able to talk when she was brought to court on Thursday, due to surgery and stitching/wiring of her broken jaw.

The husband was alleged to have beaten his wife for about 7 times whenever misunderstanding between him and his wife ensued even in the presence of their children.

But when arrested and brought to court for offences of causing a grievious hurt among other offences, Zakaria pleaded guilty.

He told the court that his wife should be blamed for the trouble in the family, alleging that she held his private part; hence yestarday's beating.

The court presided by Magistrate Abdulrazak Adamu, ordered that the accused be remanded at Yola Correctional Centre, and adjourned the matter to the 22nd November, 2021, for hearing.

THREE "SHILA" BOYS LAND IN YOLA PRISON FOR ROBBERY

Three suspected "Shila" Boys arrested for alleged robbery in Yola, Adamawa state capital have been remanded at a Correctional Centre in the state.

Chief Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro of Chief Magistrate Court I Admin,  ordered for the remand of the boys who were arraigned before him by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP A. A. Alhaji.

The suspected "Shila" Boys including Abubakar Suleiman, 18, Umar Khalifa,18, and Bitrus John, 20 of Bachure and Malamre wards respectively in Yola North Local Government Area, were apprehended by Anti-Shila Team Surveillance Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Yola, on the 20th August, 2021.

According to First Information Report terndered in court by Seargent Sawe Nicholas, the accused persons were nabbed shortly after attacking and robbing one Mama Ignatius, of her phone valued N35, 000, and a purse containing 2 ATM cards, voters card and her choir identification card at Damilu ward along Numan road.

When the substance of the FIR was read and interpreted to the boys following oral application by Seargent Sawe Nicholas, all the accused persons admitted committing the crime. 

Thereafter, the Prosecutor, Seargent Sawe, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable him forward the case file to DPP state Ministry of Justice for legal advice.

In its ruling, Chief Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro, adjourned the case to the 7th September, 2021, and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the custodial centre till then.

ADAMAWA COMMISSIONER ARRAIGNED FOR DEFRAUDING FINTIRI's DRIVER N2.270 MILLION

The Commissioner Ministry for Special Duties, Hon. Sanusi Faruk, has been arraigned before Upper Area Court 3 in Yola, Adamawa state for allegedly defrauding the Driver and Special Assistant to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Saidu Muhammed the sum of N2.270 million.

Hon. Sanusi, who was arrainged before Honourable Umar Isa led Area Court for the alleged offence on Tuesday, was sighted by NEWS PLATFORM standing helplessly and sweating in the dock. 

In a direct criminal complaint pursuant to section 91, 112 of the State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Saidu, alleged that he sold Toyota Corolla LE to the accused person at the sum of N2.5million on the 22th September, 2020. 

Saidu, told the court that the defendant collected the vehicle with a promise to pay the money later, and that he paid the sum of N200, 000, on the 30th November, 2020, and again paid N30, 000, making  N230, 000, remaining the balance of N2.270 million which he refused.

But during the arraignment of the commissioner today, his counsel, Idi Ali, raised preliminary objection where he told the court that his client had filed a case before High Court Yola, and that the case before the court is civil in nature, and urged the court to strike out the case before it.

Responding, counsel to the complainant, I. M. Galadima, vehemently objected the preliminary objection raised by the defendant's counsel, where he informed the court that there was criminal element in the transaction between the Commissioner and Fintiri's driver.

Galadima, added that there was criminal intent as provided under sections 302, 303, 311 and 312 of the state penal code law, 2018, and prayed the court to refuse the application for being frivolous, vexatious and misleading with a heavy cost.

In its ruling, Honourable Umar Isa, dismissed the preliminary objection, and ordered that the statement of complaint be read to the defendant to enable him take his plea.

It was on this note that the substance of the complaint was read and interpreted to the Honourable Commissioner in Hausa Language after which he pleaded not guilty to the offence.

In order to establish his case, counsel to the complainant, I. M. Galadima, urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable him call witnesses to prove his case.

On his part, counsel to the defendant, applied that the Commissioner be admitted to bail. 

It was at this juncture that the court granted him bail on the condition that he must bring a reliable surety who must be a Honourable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary or civil servant not below grade level 15 or else be remanded in a peaceful custodial centre, and adjourned the matter to 20th September, 2021 for hearing.

BREAKING: 57 YEAR OLD RAPE SUSPECT DIES IN YOLA COURT

A 57 year old rape suspect, Sani Mohammed, on Tuesday died at the premises of the Chief Magistrate Court 2 in Yola, Adamawa state.

Late Sani, who was a butcher, and hailed from Wauru Jabbe in Yola South Local Government Area in the state, had been in Yola prison for exactly one year for allegedly raping a minor.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that the deceased had been very sick for about three (3) weeks before he was brought to court on Tuesday.

He was earlier dragged before Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, by the Commissioner of Police on the 24th August, 2020, and had been on holding charge before his demise on the 24th August, 2021.

The accused person died at the premises of the court while the court was being presided by Magistrate Basani, where his attention was drawn about the condition of the deceased, but before he could go out to see and give necessary orders, he only found the remains of the suspect on the ground.

It was as a result of that that the court presided by Magistrate Basani, wrote to the Controller Nigeria Correctional Centre Yola, where he intimated him about the incident for necessary action regarding the burial of the deceased.

The personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Centre Yola town, where the suspect was remanded and who brought him to court, took the corpse of the accused person and left the premises of the Magistrate court.

DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR OF INDIAN HEMP, WEEDS IN 3 ADAMAWA LGAs IN POLICE NET

The Dealer/Distributor of indian hemp and weeds in Ganye, Jada and Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas, Adamawa state, Zangina Maigari, has been arrested by the operatives of the state police command attached to Ganye Divisional headquaters.

The operatives of the command have also recovered large quantity of indian hemp from the suspect who is simply identified as Zangina Maigari, a 26 years old a resident of Barde Ward, Ganye Local Government Area.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, which was made available NEWS PLATFORM on Saturday, said that the suspect was nabbed following the commitment of the officers and men of the division.

According to Nguroje, the landmark achievement followed the reinvigorated special action plan on the fight against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the boarder areas initiated by the committed Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji.

Nguroje added that in its gallant effort towards combating crime in and around the state, the operatives arrested another notorious indian hemp dealer and distributor of weeds to youths in Ganye,Jada and Mayo- Belwa LGAs..

He extended assurance of the CP Alhaji, to the Government and good people of Adamawa state that the Command will continue to do all within its powers to guarantee a stable security and order across the state.

Furthermore, he called on civil populace to synergise with the police and other security agencies in the tasks of safeguarding our state, especially in the area of providing useful, relevant and timely information.

          

DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR OF INDIAN HEMP, WEEDS IN 3 ADAMAWA LGAs IN POLICE NET

The Dealer/Distributor of indian hemp and weeds in Ganye, Jada and Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas, Adamawa state, Zangina Maigari, has been arrested by the operatives of the state police command attached to Ganye Divisional headquaters.

The operatives of the command have also recovered large quantity of indian hemp from the suspect who is simply identified as Zangina Maigari, a 26 years old a resident of Barde Ward, Ganye Local Government Area.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, which was made available NEWS PLATFORM on Saturday, said that the suspect was nabbed following the commitment of the officers and men of the division.

According to Nguroje, the landmark achievement followed the reinvigorated special action plan on the fight against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the boarder areas initiated by the committed Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji.

Nguroje added that in its gallant effort towards combating crime in and around the state, the operatives arrested another notorious indian hemp dealer and distributor of weeds to youths in Ganye,Jada and Mayo- Belwa LGAs..

He extended assurance of the CP Alhaji, to the Government and good people of Adamawa state that the Command will continue to do all within its powers to guarantee a stable security and order across the state.

Furthermore, he called on civil populace to synergise with the police and other security agencies in the tasks of safeguarding our state, especially in the area of providing useful, relevant and timely information.

          

HOW FED POLY MUBI STUDENT KILLED, BURIED PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND IN A SHALLOW GRAVE

Life will no longer be the same for the family of Franca, a Diploma Two Student of the Department of Library Science, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa state who was impregnated, killed and buried by her male colleague and boyfriend, Mumini Abubakar.

Already, the long arm of the law has finally caught up with Abubakar and two of his accomplices, Huzaifa Shuaibu and Rabiu Adamu who reportedly connived and gruesomely murdered Franca Elisha, buried her in a shallow grave, and went about their normal academic activities pretending as if nothing happens.

Abubakar, who is a resident of unguwan Sanda in North Yola Morth LGA, allegedly put Late Franca, in a family way, but when he was informed about the development by his girl friend, he stood his ground that the pregnancy must be aborted.

He took the deceased into his room located at students' community behind the state university Mubi, for the clandestine abortion on the 6th August, 2021.

To successfully carry out their planned abortion, the accused invited his friend and student of the College of Health and Technology, Mubi, Huzaifa Shuaibu, where they went and supplied drugs and injection for the abortion.

After they returned back, one of the suspects, Huzaifa, gave Franca a powerful injection for abortion as a result of which she fainted immediately, but as God will have it, she later regained her conciousness.

In order to perfect the termination of the pregnancy, Huzaifa, gave late Franca a second round of injection after she regained her consciousness, but unfortunately she fainted for second time and subsequently died on the spot.

Thereafter, the suspects invited one of their friend and student of the polytechnic, Rabiu Adamu, where they waited until midnight, and carried the corpse and buried it in shallow grave with her handset, National Identity card, and continued with their normal life without any remorse.

But the father of the deceased, Mr. Elisha Iliya, who resides at Sabon Gari in Mubi, told The Scope Newspaper in Mubi that his daughter left home on that fateful day for school, but could not return back, and that they searched everywhere as well as made contacts, but to no avail.

Elisha narrated to The Scope Newspaper that they decided to meet her colleagues in the school, and that when they met her colleague and friend in the school, she confirmed to them that she met the deceased when she was together with her boyfriend, Abubakar, and that she later returned to hostel because of rain, leaving behind the deceased and her boyfriend.

According to him, when they asked her to take them to the house of the suspect, she told them that she did not know where the house is located and later started dodging them and refusing to pick their calls, untill when they invited police into the matter.

He explained that when the police apprehended the lady, she revealed to them where the suspect will be traced, and that the police in company with family members met accused person playing football where he was arrested and later led them to where they buried late Franca. 

He appealed to relevant authorities to do everything possible and ensure that justice is done to the deceased and her family, and appreciated the effort of the police in arresting the suspects.

When contacted by NEWS PLATFORM, the image maker of the state police command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the killing of the lady, saying that the matter was reported to the command after which the Commissioner of Police, A.A.Alhaji, ordered for investigation and asrrest of the suspects.

DSP Nguroje, said that investigation so far revealed that it was Miniru Abubakar who impregnated her and that it was Huzaifa Shuaibu who administered injection, while Rabiu Adamu assisted in burying the corpse.

ADAMAWA POLICE NAB 3 FOR FOR THEFT OF 120 CEILING FANS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In its renewed commitment towards sustaining cross border patrol with a view to checkmating smugglers, traffickers, terrorists and armed robbers, the operatives attached to the State intelligence Bureau(SIB), Adamawa state have arrested 3 suspects for allegedly stealing 120 ceiling fans in a public schools.

Those apprehended by the SIB include; Tanko Jessay, 23, Linus Waba,  24 and Ahmed Aliyu 23, residents of Njuwa Mission  Askira-Uba in Borno State.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahgaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Friday,  said that the boys burgled and stole 120 ceiling fans from the schools and were apprehended while talking the stolen items to Taraba.

 He explained that the suspects were arrested by the operatives attached to SIB for allegedly burgling Primary/Secondary schools in Askira UBA a bordering a village between Borno/Adamawa states.

POLICE ARREST 3 FOR STEALING 120 CEILING FANS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In its renewed commitment towards sustaining cross border patrol with a view to checkmating smugglers, traffickers, terrorists and armed robbers, the operatives attached to the State intelligence Bureau(SIB), Adamawa state have arrested 3 suspects for allegedly stealing 120 ceiling fans in a public schools.

Those apprehended by the SIB include; Tanko Jessay, 23, Linus Waba,  24 and Ahmed Aliyu 23, residents of Njuwa Mission  Askira-Uba in Borno State.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahgaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Friday,  said that the boys burgled and stole 120 ceiling fans from the schools and were apprehended while talking the stolen items to Taraba.

 He explained that the suspects were arrested by the operatives attached to SIB for allegedly burgling Primary/Secondary schools in Askira UBA a bordering a village between Borno/Adamawa states.

TWO LADIES IN YOLA COURT FOR DEFRAUDING 4 PEOPLE N3.960MILLION

Yola Chief Magistrate Court I Admin, in Adamawa state has charged Two (2) Young Ladies, Acheri A. Malgwi and Christiana Audu of Mubi North Local Government Area, with the offences of conspiracy and cheating 4 people of the whooping N3.960million. 

The presiding judge, Aliyu Bawuro, charged Acheri, 23 and Christiana, 24, of Mubi North LGA, with the alleged offences contrary to sections 60 and 312 and punishable under sections 61(2) and 313 of the state penal code law, 2018.

The defendants who are students of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, and Federal Polytechnic Mubi, were charged to court for allegedly defrauding Biyama Philip, Mandela Tumba, Tizhe Geoffrey and Faith Samuel of different addresses in Mubi of N3.960 million.

According to prosecution, the defendants who were agents of a particular business firm, Adetec International Business World in conjunction with Bitcon Binary, fraudulently deceived the complainants to invest their money with the firm so as to obtain 25% and 30% interests depending on the money invested.

It averred that in October, 2020, the Ladies sought for the investors to come and invest in the fraudulent company, and get their principal amounts and the interests after one week; hence, the decision of the complainants to invest huge amount of money in the company.

While testifying in court, one of the complainants, Biyama Philip, alleged that Acheri approached him in October, 2020, and explained to him in details the benefits in investing in the company, and that he got convinced and invested N400, 000.  

Also in his testimony, another complainant, Tumba Mandela, said that it was Acheri, who introduced him to the business and also collected the sum of N1million as investment.

On her part, Faith Samuel, informed the court that it was Christiana Audu, who intimated her about the business, and that she agreed and invested the sum of 225, 000, saying that Christiana asked her to come after a week for collection of principal amount and interest. 

Narrating his ordeal, Tizhe Geoffery, testified that it was Acheri who introduced him into the business, and that he later gave her the sum of N500, 000 cash as deposit, expecting the sum of N550, 000, the following week, 

He disclosed that he also borrowed the sum of N500, 000 and N30, 000, from Caleb Joel and Mahyel Elisha respectively and the sum of N250, 000 and deposited all into the company, and expecting his principal amount and interest in one week.

NEWS PLATFORM gathered that the complainants invested the total sum of N3.960million cash into the company, and later turned out to be fraud as the Manager of the International Business Firm, Daniel Obade, was said to have disappeared.

Also, testifying as witness, Sergeant Promise Lonkoh of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police headquarters Yola, narrated that the matter was earlier reported to them, and that in the course of investigation, they found out that the business had crashed and the Manager of the company, Daniel Obade, was no where to be found.

Ruling, Magistrate Bawuro, held that the evidence tendered in court reveals a prima facie case of the offences of conspiracy and cheating against the defendants, and they can enter their defence.

He declared that the defendants are at liberty to call their witnesses, recall the prosecution witnesses for cross examination, and that they can also be competent witnesses to defend themselves, but only at their own volition. 

When the defendants were asked to enter their plea, they pleaded not guilty, and prayed the court to give them time to prepare and defend themselves.

It was at this juncture that the court adjourned the matter to the 1st September,  2021, for defence following an application by the Prosecutor, Seargent Sawe Nicholas.

SECURITY ON HIGH ALERT AS BUHARI VISITS ADAMAWA FRIDAY..ORDERS CLOSURE OF AIRPORT-YOLA ROAD

Adamawa State Police Command on Thursday deployed hundreds of its officers and men ahead of planned visit of President Muhammadu Buhari, to the state Tomorrow.

However, the command has ordered for the closure of Airport road to Yola town as from 7:00am, until the time Buhari departs Yola to Abuja.

President Buhari is expected to visit Adamawa on Friday to condole family and the state over the demise of Ahmed Joda.

It is against this backdrop that the state police command on Thursday deployed its personnel for surveillance in order to maintain law and order before, during and after the visit.

The Commissioner of Police in a statement by the command's spokesman, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made availabnle to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, ordered officers to display high level of professionalism and operate within the context of the law.

"In an effort to sustain the existing public order and public safety in the state, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaj, has ordered the deployment of additional operational assets including Police Surveillance and Operational teams, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Crowd/Traffic Control Units to carry out convert surveillance as well as confidence-building patrols within the state in conjunction with sister security agents",  Nguroje said.

" The CP is assuring the good people of Adamawa of the synergy among all security agencies will be into play and that the force is committed to working with other other patriotic stakeholders toward ensuring public order in the State before, during and after the visit of Mr  President", he added.

   

He said that the CP being the head of internal security in the state is already on ground to coordinate the security deployment and ensure all things being equal the visit of Mr. President is hitch free and called on the general public to coordinate themselves and cooperate with the security agents in the course of discharging our constitutional duty.

           

POLICE NAB 2 NOTORIOUS INDIAN HEMP DEALERS, RECOVER 2 MOTORCYCLES IN ADAMAWA

In its effort towards combating crime in and around Adamawa, the Operatives of the Police Command attached to Toungo Divisional headquaters (DPO) in Toungo Local Government Area have arrested 2 notorious indian hemp dealers.

The operatives recovered large quantity of indian hemp and 2 motorcycles from the suspects.

The accused persons include; Ibrahim Audu, 31years old and Alkasim Musa, 32 years old and both reside in Ganye town, in Ganye Local Government Area.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Wednesday, said that the suspects were apprehended on the 16th August, 2021.

DSP Nguroje added that both dealers were smuggling large cache of carnabis into the state through Dakalaji,Taraba border,Kiri District in Toungo LGA.

BREAKING: ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST 14 KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER 19 HANDSETS

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command attached to SIB have recorded another breakthrough by apprehending a syndicate of 14 suspected notorious kidnappers terrorising innocent citizens.

The command has recovered 19 handsets and 22 Sim cards of different networks from the suspected kidnappers.

The suspects include; Sanda Buba, 33 years old and resident of Bausman village, Chigari in Fufore LGA, Aliyu Abubakar, 34years old, resident of Yolde Pate,Yola South LGA, Ashiru Sarkin Yamma, 25years, Tukur Hammadu, 35years old and a resident of Yolde Pate, Yola South.

Others include; Abdul Isa, 35years old and hailed from samunaka in Yola South LGA., Idris Musa, 27years, resident of Malabu, Fufore LGA, Samaila Garba, 25years a resident of Bunga, Malabu district, Fufore LGA, Mumini Idirisu, 25years a resident of Bunga, Malabu district, Fufore LGA.

Others are; Abubakar Yau, 30years a resident of Sabongari, Jada LGA, Adamu Hussein, 25years a resident of Budzu, Kojoli Village,Jada LGA, Martins Haruna, 24years a resident of Budzu, Kojoli Village, Jada LGA, Shehu Abubakar, 30years a resident of Budzu, Kojoli Village, Jada LGA,  Bamanga Ali, 30years a resident of Budzu, Kojoli Village, Jada LGA, Nuvalga Musa, 33years, a resident of Budzu, Kojoli Village, Jada LGA.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, which was made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Tuesday, said that the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts following a credible information from a reliable source.

DSP Nguroje said that the suspects had confessed during interrogation of kidnapping Alhaji Sale Idi of Farang in Fufore LGA, Ya'u Adamu of Ganye town in Ganye LGA, and Jones Hayatu of Kojoli village in Jada Local Government Area and collected huge amount of money as ransom.

It is in light of the above the Commissioner of Police, CP A. A. Alhaji, commended the officer in charge of SIB and his men for making it difficult for such criminals escape arrest.

The CP further called on the general public to continue in giving credible information regarding any person of suspicious character around their neighborhood to police.

The police Boss further directed for discreet investigation into the matter, and assured that the suspects will be prosecuted accordingly.

         

              

FATHER OF JSS 2 STUDENT COLLAPSES AS COURT JAILS HIS SON 7 YRS FOR STABBING A MAN

Father of JSS 2 Student of Capital Government Day Secondary School Yola, Adamawa state, Baba Hammanadama, on Monday collapsed at the premises of Chief Magistrate Court 2 when the court convicted and sentenced his son, Abdulrazak Hammanadama to 7 years imprisonment.

Abdulrazak, who is 19 years old, bagged seven year prison term without option of fine for stabbing one Ifeanyi Emmanuel of Demsawo ward in Yola North Local Goveenment Area Three ( 3) times with a knife.

Ifeanyi received a life threatening stab wound on his head, ear and at the back from the 19 year old Abdulrazak, who invaded his residence around 4:00am on the 12th August, 2021, while on one man mission to steal his property.

The victim, who was brutally stabbed with a long knife when he resisted an attempt by the convict to steal his valuables, raised alarm which it attracted gallant neighbours who rushed in and arrested the convict and subsequently handed him over to the vigilantee.

When he was arraigned in court for extortion and inducing fear of death or causing grievious hurt contrary to section 285 of the state penal code law, the convict told the court that he actually committed the heinous crime.

To corroborate the plea of guilt entered by the defendant and now convict, the complainant's counsel, M. A. Adamu, (Senior State Counsel II ) assembled 2 witnesses who testified in court, as well as tendered extra judicial confessional statements and the knife used in stabbing Ifeanyi, which were accordingly admitted and marked as exhibits.

Thereafter, Adamu, closed his case and applied that summary judgement be entered based on the plea of the defendant, testimonies of witnesses and evidence tendered to that effect which were not be objected by the convict. 

On his part, the convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy because according to him, he wants to go and continue with his studies.  

Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, said that the law prescribes 14 year jail term to whoever commits an extortion by putting a person in fear of death or of grievious hurt.

Basani, held that the court had considered the plea for mercy, and his age bracket and found out that the 14 year jail term will be heavy for him; hence, dividing it into 2 so that he will serve the jail term and come out purged and a better person. 

But upon hearing that the court had convicted and sentenced his son to 7 years in prison, the father of the convict who is a carpenter and has 17 children, fell on the ground and wept profusely which took the intervention of security to calm him down.

KIDNAPPER OF MUBI DPO, 5 OTHERS ARRESTED, CHARGED TO COURT FOR KIDNAPPING, ROBBERY

Sale Gambo, a suspected kidnapper of Ahijo Muhammed, the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) of Mubi North Local Goverment Area in Adamawa state, has been apprehended and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I Jimeta on Monday. 

Other accused persons charged to court by the Commissioner of Police, A. A. Alhaji, for conspiracy and armed robbery include; Abdullahi Ibrahim, Idris Musa and Abba Umar, while Mamman Sani and Muhammed Bala were arraigned for criminal conspiracy and kidnapping.

Ahijo Muhammed, was abducted in November 2019, where those who kidnapped him demanded the sum of N10million before releasing him, but he was later rescued by Operation Puff Ader/Operation Farauta after 8 days in the kidnappers net.

Already, the court presided by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro, has remanded all the suspects in a Yola prison custody in connection to the alleged offences.

The First Information Report tendered in court by ASP Francis Audu, said it was reported to the police on the 19th November, 2019, that the accused who is a resident of Gembula village of Mubi North LGA abducted the DPO and took him to unknown destination and demanded N10million ransom contrary to section 248 of penal code law. 

When the report was read to him following a prayer to that effect by ASP Francis, the suspet denied committing the crime as a result of which the court adjourned the matter to the 31st August, 2021 for further mention, and ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison till then.

Likewise, the court has remanded Mamman Sani and Muhammadu Bala, for allegedly kidnapping Umaru Baba and Musa Hassan, at Gangtun village in Ganye LGA, Adamawa state.

According to FIR read in court as applied by ASP Francis Audu, the suspects stormed cattle range in the village around 1:00am on the 20th May, 2021, with a toy gun, cutlasses, sticks where the beat up their victims after which they abducted Musa Hassan.

The accused who were also said to have made away with a handset, knife, trouser and touchlight of their victims, later demanded the sum of N4 million from the family of their victim before releasing him; however, NEWS PLATFORM could not ascertain whether ransom was paid or not.

The defendants were later nabbed by the security during which the following items including toy gun, 2 handsets, mp3 player among other valuables were recovered from them; thereby, committed crime contrary to sections 60 and 248 of the penal code.

Upon their arraignment, the duo vehemently denied committing act. But shortly after entering their plea, the presiding judge adjourned the case to the 30th August, 2021 for further mention.

Meanwhile, three (3) suspected armed robbers who invaded Wayam Hotel at Wauru Jabbe in Yola South on the 5th June, 2021, have been arrested and arraigned before Chief Magistrate court I Jimeta on Monday.

The suspects including Abdullahi Ibrahim, Idris Musa and Abba Umar, were dragged before Chief Magistrate Bawuro, by Adamawa Commissioner of Police, CP A. A. Alhaji.

But when the presiding Judge asked them whether the allegation of conspiracy and armed robbery levelled against them is true, the trio admitted that the allegation is true.

Ruling, Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro, adjourned the matter to the 30th August, 2021, for further mention, and ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Francis Audu, told the court that the suspects while armed with cutlasses, invaded the hotel on the 5th June, 2021, robbed the hotel guests and carted away 2 handsets.

YOLA COURT REMANDS 62 YR OLD EX-AREA COURT JUDGE OVER N730, 000

Criminal Area Court II in Adamawa state on Friday, ordered for the remand of a former Area Court Area Judge, Bashir Mohammed, in a custodial centre over alleged cheating.

Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta, issued the order when the former Judge who was accused of cheating one Bappa Alhaji Lawan, the sum of N730, 000, was arraigned before him.

The former judge who is currently standing trial for cheating contrary to section 313 of the penal code law, was the Gombi Area Court Judge in Gombi Local Government Area before his retirement about 3 years ago.  

In a charge read in court, the accused was alleged to have sold 3 plots of land thus; 100 x50, 160x50 and 70x30 at the sum of N300, 000, 300, 000 and N60, 000 to the complainant and also collected N70, 000 for documents from him totalling N730, 000.

It added that the complainant, who resides at Rhumde Baru Jambutu in Yola North Local Government Area later discovered that the said plots of land which situated behind Airforce Comprehensive School were not the property of the defendant; hence, his complaint before ther court.

When asked whether the allegation levelled against him is true, the former judge pleaded guilty. 

Thereafter, the presiding judged ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody, or else bring a surety who will produce landed documents worth N400, 000 and deposit the sum of N350, 000 cash as bail conditions.

Hon. Garta, declared that the same land of the surety will be inspected by court officials, and adjourned the matter to the 27th August, 2021 for corroboration of the plea entered by the defendant.

YOLA COURT REMANDS 62 YR OLD EX-AREA COURT JUDGE OVER N730, 000

Criminal Area Court II in Adamawa state on Friday, ordered for the remand of a former Area Court Area Judge, Bashir Mohammed, in a custodial centre over alleged cheating.

Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta, issued the order when the former Judge who was accused of cheating one Bappa Alhaji Lawan, the sum of N730, 000, was arraigned before him.

The former judge who is currently standing trial for cheating contrary to section 313 of the penal code law, was the Gombi Area Court Judge in Gombi Local Government Area before his retirement about 3 years ago.  

In a charge read in court, the accused was alleged to have sold 3 plots of land thus; 100 x50, 160x50 and 70x30 at the sum of N300, 000, 300, 000 and N60, 000 to the complainant and also collected N70, 000 for documents from him totalling N730, 000.

It added that the complainant, who resides at Rhumde Baru Jambutu in Yola North Local Government Area later discovered that the said plots of land which situated behind Airforce Comprehensive School were not the property of the defendant; hence, his complaint before ther court.

When asked whether the allegation levelled against him is true, the former judge pleaded guilty. 

Thereafter, the presiding judged ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody, or else bring a surety who will produce landed documents worth N400, 000 and deposit the sum of N350, 000 cash as bail conditions.

Hon. Garta, declared that the same land of the surety will be inspected by court officials, and adjourned the matter to the 27th July, 2021 for corroboration of the plea entered by the defendant.

FORMER ADAMAWA GOV, NGILLARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO AHMED JODA

Former Governor of Adamawa state, Barr. Bala James Ngillari, has expressed saddness over the demise of the former Federal Permanent Secretary, Ahmed Joda.

Joda, 91, died on Friday at the Federal Medical Center(FMC), Yola.

 

In statement made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Saturday, Ngillari, said that he was deeply saddened with the news of the departure of an accomplished and detribalized politician of high repute, who served his community, State and Nation with passion, honesty and patriotism. 

Ngillari said, "the death of an elder stateman is not only a loss to the state or nation, but to the youths and history, who should have tapped more from his wealth of experience and personal library".

"Late Ahmed Joda, was a man whose primary concern was on how to ensure that justice, peace and progress prevails among people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds as well as build common ground for peaceful coexistence. This he had demonstrated even during my brief stay at the Adamawa state government house. I saw his support in great measure", Ngillari mourned.

He further stated that apart from his passion for the development of the country, the late Ahmed, was always desirous of the rapid development and unity of the North as he worked with the Forum vigorously towards addressing insecurity, poverty, disease, illiteracy and misunderstanding exacerbated by ethno-religious sentiments. 

He disclosed that he will be remembered for a very long time, as the indelible mark he made in sand of time, will not be forgotten so easily, and extended his deepest condolences to his immediate family, the Governor, people of Adamawa and the entire nation for this irreplaceable lost.

BREAKING: AN ELDER STATESMAN, AHMED JODA IS DEAD

An elder statesman and former Federal Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, is dead.

According to a family statement, Joda died on Friday after an illness at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Yola.

He was 91 and hailed from Girei local government area of Adamawa State.

RING LEADER OF "SHILA" BOYS, 3 OTHERS SENTENCED TO 7 YRS, 6 MONTHS WITHOUT OPTION OF FINE

Ring Leader of the dreaded " Shila" Boys terrorising the inhabitants of Jimeta metropolis in Adamawa state, Abubakar Ibrahim and 3 other accompices, have been convicted and sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in Yola prison.

The 25 year old Abubakar and 3 other "Shila" Boys including Shamsu Abubakar, 18, Ismail Musa, 18, and Muslim Ibrahim, 19, are to spend 7 years and 6 months behind bars without option of fine.

Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, of the Chief Magistrate Court 2, convicted and sentenced the young men after they were found guilty for criminal conspiracy and theft contrary to sections 60 and 283 of the state penal code law.

The convicts who were earlier arraigned before the court for the offences, admitted committing the crime, and further confessed to be serial offenders who had attacked and dispossessed citizens of their handsets, handbags, money among other valuables.

According to the prosecution, the convicts were apprehended after attacking a tricycle operator who happens to be a vigilantee, Allahyidi Lawan of Rhumde ward at Doubeli culvert on the 11th August,  2021 at 3:00pm.

Allahyidi who also testified in court, told NEWS PLATFORM that he was stopped by one of the convict where he asked him to take him to Bachure, and that immediately, 3 other boys including the ring leader entered his tricycle and started attacking him.

He narrated that he used wisdom where he pleaded with them to stop attacking him as he is one of them and into the same business, saying upon hearing that he is a member (Dan Nawawu in Hausa language), they stopped attacking him but confiscated his handset valued N3000, carted away the sum of N7000, and allowed him to go.

Allahyidi stated that he rushed and reported the incident to his colleagues where they immediately mobilised themselves and stormed the scene; hence, the arrest of the convicts.

During the sitting, the prosecutor, Sergeant Kabiru Abubakar, called a witness who corroborated the plea of the convicts, and subsequently applied for summary trial.

When asked whether they have allocutos, the convicts pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that they have repented. 

In his ruling, Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond any doubt, and convicted them accordingly..

However, the presiding judge decried the activities of the boys more especially within the metropolis, lamenting that they have become a menace/threat to the society.

The convicts as well as the prosecution can appeal the verdict if not satisfied, said the court.

MAN GETS 2 YRS, 6 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR CALLING FINTIRI A THIEF

A Chief Magistrate Court 2, in Yola, Adamawa state on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a business man, Ali Yakubu Numan, to 2 years and 6 months in prison for insulting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Ali was convicted for 2 years in prison with option of N50, 000 fine for using abusive language against Fintiri, and also convicted for 6 months without option of fine for the disturbance of public peace.

Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, tried and found the business man guilty; hence his conviction for the 2 offences as charged by the prosecution.

NEWS PLATFORM recalls that Ali Numan, had on the11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 20th and 29th July, 2021, wrote and published insulting statements in Hausa and Fulfulde languages on his facebook page against the Governor.

He described Governor Fintiri in the publication as a thief, a biggest and father of all thieves in Nigeria who stole indomie, spaghetti and hundreds of billions.

Earlier, counsels to the complainant, A. M. Iliyasu, and M.A. Adamu, called 2 witnesses who testified in court and tendered confessional statements in both English and Hausa languages respectively among other exhibits.

On his part, counsel to the defendant and now convict, R. N. Agav, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, informing the court that his client is a first time offender.

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RECKLESS TRUCK DRIVER WHO BLOCKED YOLA BRIDGE REMANDED IN PRISON

A 27 year old reckless truck driver, Usman Bello, who intentionally blocked Jimeta bridge, thereby causing heavy traffic on Thursday last week, has been remanded in a Yola prison custody.

Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta, of the Criminal Area Court 2 sitting in Yola, Adamawa state ordered for the remand of Usman, who hails from Mubi North Local Government Area in the state.

The accused person totally blocked the bridge linking the state capital with northern part of the state with a heavy duty truck, while protesting an alleged demand of the sum of N15,000 bribe by the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service on patrol. 

He was later arrested, investigated and charged to court for alleged offences ranging from obstruction of public way or crossing line navigation, driving without driving license, operating a vehicle with expired certificate of road worthiness and operating with defective lights.

Usman was apprehended by the police attached to the Central Motor Traffic Division (CMTD) Yola, while the investigation conducted by the division in conjuction with Vehicle Inspection Officers(VIO), the driver was found to have violated section 165 of the state penal code law as well as sections 7, 51, 62, 10, 54 of the road traffic.

When arraigned in court for the above mentioned offences, the truck driver with registration number Mubi 286 YH white and blue in colour, pleaded guilty to the offences. 

Thereafter, the court presided by Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta, ordered that the young man be taken to prison, and consequently adjourned the matter to the 20th August, 2021, for corroboration and summary trial.

52 YR OLD PASTOR IN PRISON FOR CHEATING YOLA HOTEL OF N518, 000

A pastor of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) Majamiyar Ceto Jeka da Fari in Jalingo, Taraba state, Eli B. Dilli, has landed in Yola prison for allegedly cheating Tufini hotel the sum of N518, 000.

Eli Dilli, who was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I Jimeta, on Tuesday, for the offence of cheating the hotel located along Army barracks road in Yola, denied committing the crime.

He was said to have lodged in the hotel for five (5) months and eleven (11) days, and paid the sum of N100, 000 out of N618, 000 hotel bill he incurred for the period of time he spent in the hotel.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) read in the court, the defendant lodged in the hotel on the 6th November, 2018 and kept maintaining the apartment till the 17th April, 2019, where he paid the sum of N100, 000 only, remaining the balance of N518, 000.

He was alleged to have left the apartment since that time without settling the outstanding bill contrary to section 312 of the state penal code law, 2018.

After he pleaded not guilty to the offence, the prosecutor, Sergent Sawe Nicholas, urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable him call witnesses to prove his case against him.

Chief Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro, had while ruling on the application, adjourned the matter to 16th August, 2021, for hearing and ordered that the pastor be remanded in prison custody till then.

NEWS PLATFORM who was in court, saw the pastor with handcuff being taking to prison by a security personnel.

COURT REMANDS BUSINESS MAN IN PRISON FOR INSULTING GOV FINTIRI

A business man in Yola, Adamawa state capital, Ali Yakubu Numan, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly insulting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, of the Chief Magistrate Court 2, on Monday, remanded Ali Numan, who was earlier arraigned before him for insulting Fintiri, on social media.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that Ali Numan, had on the11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 20th and 29th July, 2021, wrote and published insulting statements in Hausa and Fulfulde languages on his facebook page against the Governor.

He described Governor Fintiri as a thief, a biggest and father of all thieves in Nigeria who stole indomie, spaghetti and hundreds of billions.

According to the statement of complaint by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice which was lodged in the court by M. A. Adamu (Senior State Counsel 2), the action of the defendant generated tension among supporters of Fintiri and his supporters.

It informed the court that it took the intervention of the operatives of the Department of State Security Service(DSS) to calm down both factions who however urged aggrieved parties to channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities to enable law take it course.

It added that the intervention prompted a complaint to the department by the Youth Leader of the Peoples' Democratic Party(PDP) Yola North LGA; hence, the arrest of the defendant for prosecution.

When the complaint was read and interpreted to the defendant, he admitted that he had actually insulted Governor Fintiri.

Thereafter, counsel to the complainant, M.A. Adamu, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable him assemble witnesses to corroborate the plea entered by the defendant.

In his ruling on the application, Magistrate Basani, ordered the remand of the defendant at a correctional center, and adjourned the case to the 11th August, 2021, for corroboration and summary trial.