How More Than 500 Retired Police Officers Lost Their Lives Battling For Their Benefits - REPON

The Bauchi State chapter of the Retired Police Officers Association of Nigeria (REPON) has reported that more than 500 members have died while advocating for their retirement benefits.

REPON has also expressed concern regarding the prolonged delay of a proposed bill, which has been pending in the National Assembly since 2012, aimed at establishing a police pension board. During a press conference in Bauchi, the chapter's Secretary, retired ASP John Iliya, voiced his frustration, stating, “We can no longer tolerate these empty promises.” Iliya recounted that on May 21, 2024, association members staged a protest at the National Assembly gate. He noted that during this protest, Senator Ahmed Abdulkadir Mallam Madori, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, along with his colleagues, assured the protesters that their demands would be addressed by September 2024. However, as of October 2, 2024, there has been no acknowledgment of the challenges faced by retired officers, particularly those from Bauchi State. Iliya cautioned that if their demands continue to be ignored, the association would have no alternative but to organize another protest at the National Assembly. He highlighted that a primary demand of the association is the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the establishment of a Police Pension Board. Iliya contended that this change would enable police retirees to manage their pensions autonomously. He expressed disappointment that, despite multiple meetings with House committees during their recent recess, the Committee on Police Affairs has not addressed their issues. The association also criticized lawmakers for swiftly passing a bill to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police without public hearings, while the proposal concerning police retirees remains overlooked. Iliya, therefore, urged the National Assembly’s Committee on Police Affairs to prioritize the passage of the bill to prevent further protests from his members.

Court Forbids VIO From Stopping, Reclaiming, Seizing, or Fining Drivers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order prohibiting the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly referred to as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from impounding, confiscating, or levying fines on any motorist. This ruling was delivered in a case brought forth by human rights advocate and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers. Honourable Justice N.E. Maha concurred with the Applicant, stating that there exists no legal authority granting the Respondents the power to stop, impound, confiscate, seize, or impose fines on motorists. This judgement was rendered in the case identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, involving Marshal Abubakar against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and four other parties. The court's decision, announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, declared that the 1st to 4th Respondents, under the jurisdiction of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), lack any statutory authority to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles belonging to motorists or to impose fines. The court further ordered that the 1st to 4th Respondents, including their agents, employees, and assigns, are restrained from impounding or confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists, as such actions are deemed wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful. Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction preventing the respondents, whether acting independently or through agents, associates, or any representatives of the 1st Respondent, from infringing upon the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to property without lawful justification.

In Abuja, Police Apprehends Four Kidnappers And Retrieves Weapons And Ammunition.

The operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have successfully tracked down and apprehended four infamous kidnappers who have been instilling fear in the city. The individuals in custody admitted to orchestrating multiple kidnappings of unsuspecting residents in the FCT and surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths of seven victims. Following their arrest, the suspects guided police operatives to an additional hideout located in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where authorities recovered four AK-47 rifles, thirteen AK-47 magazines, and one hundred sixty-two rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition. In a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, October 3, it was revealed that the suspects—Yau Sani, also known as Baba (a former convict), Nuhu, also known as Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan—were captured at their criminal base in Sauka, Abuja, where they were blending in with the general populace. The statement detailed: “On October 1, 2024, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, acting on reliable intelligence, tracked and arrested four notorious kidnappers terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory: YAU SANI, a.k.a. Baba (an ex-convict), NUHU, a.k.a. Giwa, KABIRU MOHAMMED, and YUSUF HASSAN, at their hideout in Sauka, Abuja, where they were living among the community.

“The suspects confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings targeting unsuspecting residents in the FCT and its surroundings, leading to the deaths of seven victims. Their criminal activities have affected areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco estate, Dupe Village Zuma Rock, Kuchiko village, and several villages in Niger and Kaduna. They also directed police operatives to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where four AK-47 rifles, thirteen AK-47 magazines, and one hundred sixty-two rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition were unearthed. “Additionally, the suspects disclosed their plans to target various government institutions and estates within the FCT, which the Command has successfully thwarted.” The Command would like to reaffirm its dedication to eliminating crime and criminal activities within the Federal Capital Territory. It encourages the public to report any suspicious or unusual occurrences to the following police emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. For any complaints, please reach out to the Police Complaint Bureau at 09022222352 or the Crime Reporting Unit at 08107314192. Source: X | FCT_PoliceNG

Why The Court Bars INEC From Giving Rivers Electoral Commission Access To The Voters Register

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has once again prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the forthcoming local government elections set for 5 October 2024. This ruling was delivered on Monday during the judgment of a case brought before him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. In his decision, Justice Lifu criticized the RSIEC for designating 5 October as the election date without complying with the applicable laws governing electoral processes. He determined that the Rivers State electoral authority breached the local government election law by neglecting to issue the required 90-day notice prior to establishing the election date. The judge further asserted that the updating and revision of the voters’ register must be finalized before a legally valid election date can be established. Consequently, he instructed INEC not to release the certified voters’ register to RSIEC until all legal prerequisites are fulfilled. Additionally, Justice Lifu prohibited RSIEC from accepting or utilizing any voters’ register from INEC for the purpose of the local government election on 5 October. The court also barred the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the election. The legal team representing the APC, which included Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Joseph Daudu, Sebastine Hon, and Ogwu James Onoja, presented the case on behalf of the party. It is important to note that on 19 July, Justice Lifu had previously issued an order, in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the APC, restraining INEC from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC. He also prohibited the IGP and DSS from engaging in or providing security for the RSIEC during the election process. The judge instructed all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante bellum and to refrain from taking any further actions regarding the election until the substantive case is heard.

In Order to Prove His Innocence About Allegations of Corruption, Former Governor El-Rufai Pledges to Swear by The Quran.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday, refuted claims of financial misappropriation amounting to N423 billion during his administration, asserting his willingness to take an oath on the Quran to affirm his innocence. He articulated that his entry into politics was motivated by a genuine desire to serve the populace rather than to accumulate wealth or misappropriate public resources. This assertion was made during a Hausa program broadcast on Radio in Kaduna. "I did not enter politics to engage in theft or personal enrichment. I was content with my circumstances prior to my governorship," the former governor stated. "I have consistently sought divine guidance in all my endeavors and strive to uphold the trust placed in me by the people. When former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are prepared to swear on the Quran that they have not misappropriated public funds, I will stand with them. I have no apprehension, as I am confident that I have not taken what belongs to the people. "I have entrusted everything to God's judgment. I have prayed and will maintain my silence on this matter. I have directed my legal representatives to pursue action against those who seek to damage my reputation, but for the time being, I am concentrating on my pursuits such as reading and writing." The former governor also alluded to his future political aspirations, indicating his intention to re-enter the political arena in 2027 after completing his studies. He emphasized that there is no concept of retirement in politics. His remarks came in response to a report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of misappropriating N423 billion during its eight-year term. Several members of his cabinet have previously denied these allegations, characterizing the House of Assembly's report as politically motivated.

Elon Musk: If Trump is Not Elected, This Will be The Last Election in The United States.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors, has expressed the view that Donald Trump is the sole candidate capable of preserving American democracy. He cautioned that if Trump is not elected on November 5, 2024, the future of elections in the United States may be jeopardized. In a post on X on Monday, Musk stated, "Very few Americans understand that if Trump is not elected, this could be the final election. Rather than posing a threat to democracy, he represents the only viable solution to safeguard it. Allow me to elaborate: if even 1 in 20 undocumented individuals gain citizenship annually, a process that the Democrats are accelerating as quickly as possible, this could result in approximately 2 million new legal voters over four years. The voting margins in key swing states are frequently less than 20,000 votes. Therefore, if the Democratic Party achieves its goals, swing states may cease to exist. Furthermore, the Biden/Harris administration has been transporting 'asylum seekers' who are expedited to citizenship directly into swing states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Arizona. This strategy effectively ensures victory in every election. Consequently, America risks becoming a one-party state, leading to the end of democracy. The only elections that would occur would be those within the Democratic Party. This scenario has already unfolded in California following the 1986 amnesty. The primary factor preventing California from descending into extreme socialism and oppressive government policies is the ability of individuals to leave the state while remaining in the country. Once the entire nation is dominated by a single party, there will be no means of escape. Every region in America could resemble the distressing situation currently seen in downtown San Francisco."

Israel Declares That it Will React to Iranian Strikes Immediately.

An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson has announced that the Air Force is set to conduct "significant airstrikes" tonight across the Middle East. Caution is advised at this time, as some reports indicate that decisions regarding these attacks will be made tonight. Supporting this information, Iran has suspended all flights until 10 AM local time on Wednesday. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that Israel will "continue" its operations, having already engaged in strikes against Lebanon and Syria over the past few days. According to The Times of Israel, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari informed the media that the Israeli Air Force "remains fully operational and will continue to execute powerful strikes in the Middle East tonight, consistent with its activities over the past year." This statement appears to emphasize operational readiness rather than a direct response to Iran. Furthermore, a comment from Senator Rubio has caught my attention. He previously disclosed information regarding the situation in Ukraine early in the conflict and is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.