BREAKING; Police foil alleged terror plot in Kano State, recover explosives, weapons

The Kano State Police Command said it has recovered explosives and dangerous weapons allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded National Tijjaniyya Maulud in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo-Garba,told the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) in Kano on Monday that the explosives were reportedly recovered at Tokarawa village of Gezawa Local Government area.

He said that the command had made a significant breakthrough in maintaining peace and security in the state.

Dogo-Garba explained that the recovered explosives and weapons were allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded event.

He said that the police, in collaboration with state agencies, foiled the terror plot and recovered the explosives reportedly intended for use during the Maulud.

Dogo-Garba started the police have commenced an intensive investigation to identify those behind the alleged botched plot.

” This proactive measure demonstrates the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike,”the CP said.

Dogo-Garba said the command had also arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of Alhaji Atiku Mu’azu, a 64-year-old resident of Janbulo Quarters, Kano.

The suspects, Abubakar Hassan, aka Captain, Adamu Adam, and Alhaji Hamisu aka Bakin Bross, were nabbed after a sustained follow-up and intelligence-led operation.

He said in another incident, armed men invaded the residence of Alhaji Auwalu at Sabuwar Unguwa Garo, Kabo LGA, Kano, robbing him of N8 million and kidnapping his 16-year-old daughter, Zainab Aliyu.

Dogo-Garba said that the police had launched an investigation to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

In a separate operation, he said,the police arrested 17 suspected armed robbers who stormed Hotoro, Kawu Quarters, Kano, breaking shops and motor vehicles, and attacking innocent people.

“Three additional suspected armed robbers were also arrested for attacking two innocent people and robbing them of 200 mobile phones at Yankatsari Quarters, Kano,” Dogo-Garba said.

He urged the residents of the state to continue to support the command with credible intelligence information to prevent future threats.

The commissioner urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and cautious.

Dogo-Garba called on them to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or through the command’s contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.(NAN)

JUST IN; Sowore rejects police bail conditions, chooses to remain in Police custody

Omoyele Sowore, a former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, has declined to accept the terms of the Nigerian police’s bail and chose to stay in detention.

The decision was made after he was told that he would have to give up his international passport and furnish a Grade Level 17 officer, which is the equivalent of a permanent secretary, as surety in order to be released on bail.

Sowore had arrived at the police headquarters in Abuja early Monday morning after being summoned for questioning regarding a viral video he posted, which accused police officers of extorting motorists at a checkpoint in Lagos.

As he made his way to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), the area surrounding the Force Headquarters was heavily barricaded, with roads blocked from both ends.

The police had issued a formal invitation to Sowore, outlining several charges against him, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.

After his questioning, Sowore posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, had informed him that he would be granted bail pending the conclusion of the investigation.

However, Sowore made it clear that he would not accept the bail if the conditions were unreasonable.

“I have been informed by the DIG of FID that my bail has been approved, but if the conditions are unreasonable, I will remain in detention until I am charged to court,” Sowore wrote.

“I know there is no defined crime to investigate—it’s just the impunity of the police hierarchy.”

Later, Sowore reiterated his stance by rejecting the bail conditions outright.

“The Nigeria Police Force has requested that I deposit my International Passport and provide a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor for bail, but I have declined these conditions and opted to remain in police custody,” he declared.

Sowore, who had arrived at the Force Intelligence Department at around 9:56 a.m., was accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, including members of the Take It Back Movement.

The group had earlier circulated a flier on social media, calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters, urging supporters to “Occupy Force Headquarters.”

In the official invitation from the FID, Sowore was informed that he was being investigated for multiple offenses, including obstructing public officers, cyberstalking, and preventing arrests.

He was instructed to attend an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Force Intelligence Department at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Outside the FID premises, members of the Take It Back Movement gathered, waiting for updates on Sowore’s situation, as the activist continues to challenge what he views as the unjust actions of the police.

BREAKING; Meranda moves in to Lagos Speaker’s office amid tight security

In a formal transition,Mojisola Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been escorted to her new office by the full body of lawmakers, with the exception of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

In a video seen online, Meranda was escorted to the office by other lawmakers, with one of them offering prayers.

Meranda’s assumption of office followed Obasa’s impeachment.

The ousted Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to the state over the weekend, just two weeks after being removed from office by 32 out of 39 Assembly members. Despite his removal, Obasa declared he still holds the position of Speaker, insisting, “I remain the number one lawmaker of the Assembly until the right thing has been done.”

Upon his return, Obasa was greeted by a wave of enthusiastic supporters at his Ikeja residence, who gave him what many are calling a “heroic welcome.”

The former Speaker’s return comes at a tense time, with concerns mounting over a potential showdown should Obasa attend today’s plenary session.

This marks the third sitting since his removal, with the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, presiding over the previous two sessions in Obasa’s absence.

Security was heightened at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, with police personnel screening journalists and visitors attempting to enter the complex.

At least three police vehicles were stationed at the main gate, and additional security was observed within the Assembly grounds as lawmakers prepared for today’s sitting.

The situation sets the stage for a possible confrontation, with both Obasa’s supporters and critics anticipating the next move in this ongoing political drama.