Bandits Attack Kaduna Hospital, Kidnap Nurses

A group of armed bandits has abducted an unknown number of nurses from a Primary Health Care Center in Layin Dan Auta village, located in the Kuyello Ward of Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. The incident, which occurred recently, has raised concerns among local residents.

According to reports from Naija News on Monday, the assailants initially targeted a primary school in the outskirts of Kuyello but found no students present. They then shifted their focus to the nearby hospital, where they kidnapped the nurses who were on duty at the time.

A local leader, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating, “They arrived and went straight to the school but, finding it empty, moved on to the health center and abducted the nurses.”

Another local youth leader, Baba Isah, also verified the attack, mentioning that two nurses were present during the assault.

It remains unclear whether any patients were taken, as most had already left the facility. No official statement has been made by the Kaduna State government or the police regarding the kidnapping.

Victor Osimhen Reveals Fastest and Most Skillful Super Eagles Players

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has highlighted the fastest and most skillful players in the Super Eagles squad as they prepare for their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda. In an interview with the Counter Attack Podcast, Osimhen named Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze as the top three quickest players on the team.

When asked about the most skillful players, the 25-year-old forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray, identified Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

“The quickest? First of all, Simon, Lookman, and Samuel,” Osimhen said. “In match situations, the most skillful: Boniface, Ademola, and also Iheanacho.”

Osimhen and the Super Eagles are currently in Kigali, gearing up for their next AFCON qualifier match against Rwanda, which is set to kick off at 2 p.m. (Nigeria time) on Tuesday, September 10.

Earlier, the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their opening AFCON qualifier match, with Osimhen coming off the bench to score.

U.S. Blocks Nigerian’s Cryptocurrency Scam, Fines Perpetrator $50,000

A Nigerian national, Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, has been caught attempting to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The failed scam resulted in Akinyemi facing over $50,000 in civil penalties.

In a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer,” it was revealed that Akinyemi lured the victim with the promise of high returns on a cryptocurrency investment. The agreement, made on July 15, 2023, instructed the victim to buy Bitcoin and transfer it to Akinyemi’s so-called investment wallet, with an expectation of returns ranging from $500 to $1,240.

Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of cryptocurrency knowledge, misleading them about the traceability of the transactions and falsely claiming the need to activate a digital wallet. After the funds were transferred, Akinyemi rerouted them to his personal account, and the victim received an uncashed fraudulent $1,000 cheque.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is now ensuring that the victim is refunded $250, while Akinyemi faces $50,000 in penalties for five legal violations, as well as $4,000 in investigation fees and court costs. Akinyemi is being sued under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by the Charities and Financial Scams Unit.

This case underscores the continued rise of cryptocurrency fraud and the vigilant efforts by U.S. authorities to protect consumers.

Falana Condemns DSS Raid on SERAP Office, Calls It Unlawful

Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned human rights lawyer, has denounced the recent raid on the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by the Department of State Services (DSS).

SERAP, an advocacy group, reported the incident on its official X account on Monday, stating that DSS agents had stormed its office. The group urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct the DSS to halt its acts of harassment, intimidation, and violations of citizens’ rights.

In response, Falana issued a statement condemning the raid, describing it as an illegal act and a misuse of authority. He called on the Federal Government to hold those responsible accountable.

“I strongly condemn the invasion of SERAP’s office. The Tinubu administration must immediately identify and prosecute the officers involved. Human rights defenders must be allowed to operate freely as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution,” Falana said.

The call for accountability follows similar reactions from various rights groups and prominent individuals demanding an end to the assault on civil liberties in the country.

Prophet Jeremiah Denies Using NAFDAC’s Name to Deceive Nigerians

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, has refuted allegations that his church used the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s name to deceive the public in relation to spiritual items such as “miracle water” and “miracle soap.”

In a statement released by the church’s media team and signed by spokesperson Sophia Iloyd, Fufeyin clarified that the church operates lawfully and respects Nigeria’s legal framework, including NAFDAC’s regulations. He emphasized that the ministry’s activities are protected under Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and expression.

The church stressed that it had not sold or produced any consumable products under NAFDAC’s name. It further clarified that the only issue pending against the church is a petition from an individual, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse (known as Verydarkblackman), whom the church has taken to court over various allegations.

Fufeyin’s church acknowledged receiving a letter from NAFDAC on August 27, 2024, asking the ministry’s spiritual head to respond to inquiries about their spiritual products. However, the church claimed it was given less than 12 hours to respond but had already communicated with NAFDAC officially.

The ministry also raised concerns about allegedly forged receipts submitted by Otse to back his claims, which are currently under police investigation. Despite this, the church stated that NAFDAC had not responded to its letters or provided any feedback on the matter.

NiMet Forecasts Three-Day Thunderstorms, Rains from Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.

According to NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday, northern states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba will experience isolated thunderstorms on Monday morning. The forecast for the afternoon and evening hours includes further thunderstorms in the same states and intermittent rains in central regions like Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara.

Southern states, including Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, and Enugu, are expected to receive localized rains during the morning, while heavier rainfall is likely later in the day across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River.

Similar weather patterns will continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, with the northern and central regions facing thunderstorms, while the southern regions will experience intermittent and moderate rains.

NiMet has advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, warning of potential urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours. The public is also urged to take precautions against strong winds accompanying thunderstorms and to follow safety advisories from relevant authorities.

Airline operators and the public are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions through NiMet’s reports for better planning.

Fake NNPC Director in EFCC Custody Over N100m Fraud

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court on charges of fraud. Shuaibu is facing a seven-count charge including criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence, amounting to N100 million.

According to the EFCC’s statement on Monday, Shuaibu allegedly conspired with another individual, now deceased, to defraud a victim under the guise of being a Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The fraud involved a claim to supply over 2,000 litres of petroleum products in 2017.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) (M) and Illya Garba (now deceased), sometime in 2017, within the judicial division of this honourable court, conspired to commit fraud by obtaining money under false pretences, contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Shuaibu allegedly obtained N47,050,000 from one Faisal Safiyanu, pretending to sell petroleum products. However, he neither delivered the products nor refunded the money.

Shuaibu pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the court has remanded him in EFCC custody.

BREAKING: DSS Takes Over SERAP’s Abuja Office

Officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken control of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), sparking outrage from the organization. SERAP described the DSS action as an “unlawful occupation,” according to a statement released on its official X handle on Monday.

The DSS officers reportedly demanded to meet with SERAP’s directors, though the reasons for the takeover remain unclear. SERAP has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately, urging him to direct the DSS to stop what it described as harassment and intimidation.

“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians,” the statement read.

The incident follows closely on the heels of SERAP’s call for President Tinubu to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to reverse the recent increase in the pump price of petrol, which the group described as illegal and unconstitutional.

HoS Urges Permanent Secretaries to Fast-Track Civil Service Reforms

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has called on Federal Permanent Secretaries to collaborate closely and speed up the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025. Speaking at an inaugural retreat held from September 5th to 7th, 2024, in Zuba, Niger State, Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of the strategy as a roadmap to creating a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-focused public service.

Themed “Accelerating Public Service Reforms Towards Effective Service Delivery,” the retreat aimed to align the operations of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) with the goals of FCSSIP-25. Walson-Jack stressed the crucial role Permanent Secretaries play in bridging the gap between policy formulation and execution, highlighting their responsibility to uphold governance principles within MDAs.

“You are the anchors that uphold our governance principles within the MDAs. The trust Nigerians have placed in you reflects your commitment and responsibility,” she remarked.

The HoS commended the dedication of the Permanent Secretaries in maintaining service standards, encouraging them to embrace core values such as accountability, meritocracy, professionalism, loyalty, and efficiency. She also assured them of her continued support in overcoming challenges to achieve the civil service’s objectives.

“By embracing these values, we build a stronger civil service and restore confidence in the Nigerian people,” Walson-Jack added, urging for a cultural shift towards transparency and accountability within the civil service.

DSS Detains NLC President Joe Ajaero at Abuja Airport

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

Ajaero was reportedly arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. He was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, set to begin today.

Details surrounding the arrest remain unclear at this time, with no official statements on the reason for his detention.

More updates to follow…