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Boko Haram kingpin nabbed in Maiduguri

From Ibrahim Sawab, Maiduguri

One of the nine suspected Boko Haram militants who sneaked into Maiduguri to launch more attacks was arrested yesterday at the cattle market in the city.

‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ spokesman, Col. Tukur Gusau, said in a statement that troops of the 7 Division Garrison Nigerian Army arrested one Mr. John Trankil who alongside nine others sneaked into the metropolis to coordinate attacks.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect said he and nine others had sneaked into Maiduguri with AK-47 assault rifles and a Hilux vehicle laden with 20 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) meant to be detonated at selected targets in the city,” the statement said.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Yusha’u Abubakar, commended the troops, urging them and the public to be more vigilant and security conscious particularly at all check points, markets, worship centres, motor parks and schools.

Meanwhile, troops of 21Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air force have destroyed the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a rocket making factory along Bama-Gonin Kurmi at the outskirts of Bama town in Bama LGA.

“Items recovered include gas cylinders, a welding machine, pipes and poles. Others include locally made rocket shells, a large quantity of assorted chemicals, unprimed IEDs and various technical and laboratory equipment suspected to be stolen from school laboratories around Bama before they were dislodged from the area”, the statement added.

Lagos gets panel on Disu’s murder

From Nurudeen Oyewole, Lagos

The Lagos State government yesterday inaugurated a panel to investigate the circumstances that led to killing of the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment, Tunde Disu.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kazeem Adeniji, urged the tribunal members to be fearless and ensure that people are given the opportunity to make observations and suggestions.

“ýLagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria and Africa; it cannot afford these disturbances at all. Government is therefore looking for lasting solution and incisive recommendations to ensure that such an incident does not re-occur,” Adeniji said.

ýHeý assured that report of the tribunal would not be abandoned, stressing that the recommendations will be considered and implemented appropriately.

The chairman, Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, promised that members would carry out their duty effectively. Other members include; Fuad Kassim, Arinola Onabamiro, Otunba Yemi Lawal and Otunba Tunde Seriki.

Obi left N185bn debt- Obiano

From Beatrice Onuchukwu, Awka

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State says he inherited a debt of N185 billion from the previous administration, adding that he did not meet any N75 billion in the treasury as claimed by his predecessor.

He said through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, that the present government paid N35.1 billion on inherited projects between March 2014 and August 2015 and spent N11.7 billion on projects initiated within the same period.

He said in addition to N400 billion investments attracted from foreign, local and indigenous investors by the Anambra State Investment Protection and Promotion Agency (ANSIPPA), the state’s internally-generated revenue increased from N500 million at inception of the administration to N1.3 billion.

Court nullifies arrest of NBM members

From Yahaya Ibrahim, Lagos

Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday granted a motion by members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), seeking enforcement of their fundamental rights against the police.

The judge granted an order for a declaration that being duly registered incorporated trustees, they had the right to peaceful assembly and association.

The NBM had in August under the aegis of Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, filed a suit to protest the unlawful detention of its members by the police.

In the suit, the NBM sought a declaration that the indiscriminate arrest and detention of its members by police, was illegal.

They also sought a declaration that the police’s parade of its members on television as common criminals was a breach of their fundamental rights