Suspected Kidnappers demand $500,000 ransom for judge’s wife, driver, Police orderly
Suspected Kidnappers demand $500,000 ransom for judge’s wife, driver, Police orderly
Boko Haram terrorists have demanded a ransom of $500,000 for the release of the wife, police orderly, and driver of Justice Haruna Mshelia, a High Court judge in Borno State.
A family source told Daily Trust that the terrorists rejected an initial offer of $50,000, insisting on the full $500,000 before releasing the remaining captives.
Justice Mshelia was abducted on June 24, 2024, along with his wife, Binta Othman-a magistrate at Wulari Court in Maiduguri-his orderly, and his driver.
The terrorists released Justice Mshelia on September 8 after a substantial ransom was paid, but only on the condition that he raises an additional $500,000 for his family’s release.
“We learned that the family managed to raise almost $50,000, but the insurgents turned down the offer, insisting on the full $500,000,” a source said.
When Daily Trust contacted the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer
ASP Nahum Daso for an update on the abducted police orderly, he requested more time to consult before making a statement.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Moro acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules but urged his colleagues to temper justice with mercy.
Earlier, Senator Imasuen had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as frivolous and dismissed her claims that Akpabio had been silencing her voice in the chamber.
Key Recommendations from the Senate Committee:
A six-month suspension from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
Immediate surrender of all Senate properties in her possession.
A directive barring her from the legislative chamber throughout the suspension period. And others.
This development follows a heated confrontation in the Senate last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she viewed as an unjustified move.
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You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has no chance of defeating Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections without the PDP’s backing, according to former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George.
George maintained that the Labour Party does not have the national infrastructure required to successfully oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that, as long as the party leadership adheres to the values of justice, equity, and fairness, only the PDP has the power, base support, and reach necessary to defeat the APC and win in 2027.
“I have nothing personal against Obi. He is from the South, but the fact remains that the Labour Party does not have the national structure to match Tinubu and the APC in 2027,” George stated. “The only party with the depth, support base, and capacity to defeat the APC is the PDP. And while some may think Tinubu’s re-election will be smooth sailing, I believe he can be defeated in 2027, but this can only happen if the PDP leadership ensures fairness, justice, and equity within the party.”
George also made an impassioned plea to Nyesom Wike, urging the Rivers State Governor to reconsider his opposition to the PDP and work together to help rebuild the nation.
Furthermore, he took aim at the Federal Government’s increasing interference in state politics, warning that such actions could exacerbate national insecurity if left unchecked.
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University mourns as Professor falls ill during meeting dies on way to Hospital
University mourns as Professor falls ill during meeting dies on way to Hospital
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile–Ife, Osun, has announced the death of Jimoh Famakinwa, a Professor in the Department of Philosophy.
This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, on Thursday in Ile-Ife.
The statement stated that Famakinwa, during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, was noticed breathing “abnormally” by his colleagues and was immediately rushed to the university’s Health and Medical Centre.
According to it, upon prompt medical examination by the team of doctors on duty, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), in Ile–Ife, where he was pronounced dead.
“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, feeling sad about the unfortunate incident, led other members of his management team to the widow and children on a condolence visit.
“The team expressed shock and disbelief that such a brilliant scholar could die so suddenly in the line of duty.
“Bamire urged the family to take solace in the fact that Prof. Famakinwa lived a fulfilled life of positive impact on the those who were fortunate to come across him.
“The vice-chancellor prayed that God should grant the immediate family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts and the entire University Community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The statement said Famakinwa’s remains have been deposited at the morgue of OAUTHC. (NAN)