Ex–Chief of Army Staff files N1.5 billion defamation suit against rtd Major General, others

A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has filed a defamation suit against retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi, Arise Broadcasting Limited and Sahara Reporters Media Group.

The Court documents indicate that Yahaya instituted the action on Wednesday, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, following the expiration of a demand notice served on the defendants.

The spokesperson for Yahaya, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, a former Army spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

In the suit, the retired army chief was seeking, among other reliefs, formal retractions and public apologies over publications he described as false and malicious, as well as monetary damages of N1.5 billion and N600 million respectively.

“The claimant contended that the publications and broadcasts unjustly linked him to allegations of terrorism financing, illegal mining and banditry, which he said injured his reputation, character and integrity.

“The matter had been duly filed before the FCT High Court, Abuja, and the defendants had been served to enter appearance in line with the rules of court,” Usman disclosed. (NAN)

BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)