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Court fixes judgment for Jan. 27 in alleged terrorists’ negotiator Tukur Mamu’s trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for January 27 next year in the terrorism trial of alleged terrorists’ negotiator Tukur Mohammed Mamu.

Justice Mohammed Umar chose the date on Monday after lawyers to the prosecution and defence made their final submissions.

Prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe while adopting the prosecution’s final address said: ‘We respectfully adopt our written address as our oral submission and argument in proof of the case against the defendant.

‘We urge my lord to agree with us that we have discharged the burden of proof placed before us and to convict the defendant as charged.’

Defence lawyer Johnson Usman (SAN) equally adopted the defendant’s final and reply addresses and urged the court to acquit his client.

He said: ‘We adopt these two addresses and we humbly urge this honourable court to graciously acquit and discharge the defendant on all the counts preferred by Federal Government as same having not been proved in any manner.’

Usman told the court that the prosecution has failed to produce the licence of the rifle allegedly recovered from Mamu’s residence by security operatives despite the defence’s repeated demands.

When the judge asked by the judge if he was talking about the licence that had since expired Usman said the defence’s contention was that the licence had not expired as at the time Mamu was arrested.

He said even though the prosecution took custody of the rifle and the licence its failure to produce the licence in court has raised serious issues of doubt.

Usman urged the court to resolve the issue in favour of his client adding:’My lord if my vehicle licence expires and my car is parked at home the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) cannot come and arrest me that my licence has expired.’

Responding Kaswe faulted Usman’s position recalling that the licence and the rifle had already been tendered before the court.

Kaswe said: ‘My Lord the record of this court shows that we have tendered the licence together with the arms on the day the PW-5 (fifth prosecution witness) an exhibit keeper was led on evidence.’

He added that the court grant the request when.the prosecution applied for a safe keep of the rifle and other exhibits.

Usman however thanked the Department of State Services (DSS) in whose custody the defendant was being kept for granting his family access to him as ordered by the court.

‘My lord I thank the current regime of DSS for the access given to the defendant’s family. When they do well we should praise them. My sincere gratitude to the DG DSS’ he said.

Mamu was arrested on September 7 2022 by Egyptian security officials at the Cairo International Airport on reasonable suspicion of financing Boko Haram terrorism activities.

He was alleged to have convinced the terrorists to discuss ransom payments with individual families of the hostages of the train attack instead of the Chief of Defense Staff Committee set up by the Federal Government for his personal financial gain.

The defendant was said to have been nominated by the terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train sometime in March 2022 which took scores of persons hostage.

Mamu was alleged to have collected ransoms on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from families of hostages confirmed the amount and facilitated the delivery of same to the terrorists.

He was initially arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing. The prosecution later amended the charge by including seven more counts relating unlawful possession of firearms without valid licence and money laundering.

Mamu was re-arraigned on June 1 on a 17-count amended charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

In the count one of the charge marked; FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023 the defendant was alleged to have sometime about March 28 2022 in Kaduna gave support to the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He was alleged to have instigated the terrorist group to boycott the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee set up by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of the hostages (victims) of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack to enhance his act as the negotiator for the payment receipt and delivery of ransom payment from the families of the hostages.

In count two he was alleged to have undermined and obstructed the CDS Committee set up to negotiate the release of the hostages of the attack.

Count three accused him of receiving ransom payments in the sum of $120000.00 on behalf of the terrorist group from families of victims of the attack contrary to Section 21(3)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

He was also alleged to have committed an offence preparatory to or in furtherance of act of terrorism when he exchanged voice note communications in relation to acts of terrorism with Baba Adamu the Boko Haram spokesperson.

Mamu was accused of dealing in terrorist funds in the sum of $269200.00 and N25690500 in counts six and seven which were allegedly found in his possession.

He was said to have committed an offence of dealing in terrorist property contrary to Section 23 (1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition).

The defendant was equally alleged to be dealing in terrorist funds in the sum of 1840 Indian Rupees 1700 Egyptian Pounds and 115 UAE Dirham in counts 11 12 and 13 which were found in his possession.

Counts 14 and 15 accused Mamu of money laundering offences in the sum of N25690500 and $269200.00 allegedly found in his possession.

In count 16 the Federal Government accused him of unlawful possession of firearms when he allegedly had in his possession a Delta Magnum pump action firearm without a valid licence.

Mamu was also accused of unlawful possession of firearms when he had in his possession about 47 cartridges (ammunitions) without a valid licence sometime about March 28 2022.

The alleged offences according to the prosecution are contrary to Section 3 of the Fire Arms Act CAP F.28 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 28 of the Fire Arms Act CAP F.28 LFN 2004.

Nearly 4,000 remains still unclaimed at Tacloban’s El Reposo Cemetery

Nearly 4,000 human remains at the city’s public Catholic cemetery, El Reposo, have yet to be retrieved by their families despite appeals by the local Catholic Church and the city government to transfer them to other burial grounds ahead of the cemetery’s planned rehabilitation.

The city government and the local Catholic Church issued an advisory in 2023 prohibiting further burials at El Reposo to pave the way for its rehabilitation.

City government records showed that more than 12,500 people had been buried at the cemetery. Of this number, over 8,000 remains have already been retrieved and transferred by their families, leaving close to 4,000 at the burial site.

The retrieved remains, mostly bones, were collected, identified, and placed in a common grave to make it easier for families to claim and transfer them to other cemeteries.

Credula Enerlan, who is in charge of the cemetery, said they continued to appeal to families to retrieve the remains of their departed relatives.

Those who had already collected the remains transferred them to the cemetery operated by the Archdiocese of Palo in Palo, Leyte, or to other public and private burial grounds in Tacloban.

Enerlan acknowledged, however, that financial constraints had prevented some families from transferring the remains of their loved ones.

‘Transferring them to other cemeteries can be costly, even if what remains are already bones,’ she said.

She also cited the absence of relatives and the difficulty of locating old burial sites as among the reasons some remains had yet to be claimed.

Some families may no longer know the exact location of their relatives’ graves or may have stopped visiting the cemetery for various reasons, she added.

Earlier this month, several empty graves at El Reposo were affected by a demolition conducted by the city government as part of its road-widening project.

Despite the challenges, Enerlan urged families to visit the cemetery and retrieve the remains of their loved ones whenever they have the means to transfer them to other burial grounds.

During the Undas observance, from Oct. 31 until the morning of Nov. 2, nearly 200 relatives visited El Reposo, where many offered prayers and lit candles at the chapel and designated candle holders.

Among the visitors was a woman whose grandparents and father-in-law were buried at the cemetery.

Rather than visiting their former burial sites, she lit candles and offered prayers for her departed relatives at the chapel.

She expressed hope that the remains of her loved ones were still intact and that her family would eventually have enough money to retrieve and transfer them to another cemetery.

Kano man arrested while attempting to smuggle drug into prison

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command said it has arrested a 40-year-old man over an attempt to smuggle suspected Indian hemp into the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kurmawa in Kano.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Kofarnassarawa on Monday in Kano.

Kofarnassarawa said the incident occurred on Sunday at about noon, when the 40-year-old man, allegedly attempted to throw a substance suspected to be Indian hemp into the custodial centre.

He said the suspect, who resides in Janguza Quarters, Kano, was apprehended by officers of the Armed Squad Unit following their vigilance and prompt response.

According to him, the officers acted under the supervision of the Commander of the Armed Squad Unit, CSC Usman M. Sale.

The Controller of Corrections of the Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf-Lakpene, commended the officers for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to maintaining security in custodial facilities.

Yusuf-Lakpene reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance towards the smuggling of prohibited items into custodial centres.

He urged members of the public to desist from attempts to introduce illicit substances and other prohibited materials into correctional facilities.

He said the suspect had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action.

Yusuf-Lakpene reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening security measures across its custodial centres to ensure a safe environment for the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.

’You’re a symbol of unity religious harmony’ Tinubu hails Sultan on 20th anniversary on throne

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III as a towering moral authority and bridge-builder whose two decades on the throne have strengthened religious harmony national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The President in a tribute marking the monarch’s 20th anniversary on the throne on Monday praised his uncommon wisdom moderation and unwavering commitment to the country’s stability and development.

Tinubu said the Sultan through his leadership transformed the traditional institution into a powerful platform for promoting peace fostering interfaith understanding and advancing the welfare of Nigerians particularly the poor and vulnerable.

According to the President the monarch’s reign has gone beyond preserving the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate to repositioning the institution as an influential force for national cohesion.

‘Twenty years ago you ascended the throne with humility courage and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it redefined it and made it a formidable instrument for peace unity and national development’ Tinubu said.

The President particularly commended the Sultan’s calming influence during periods of national tension describing him as a dependable voice of reason and an invaluable adviser to successive leaders.

‘Your uncommon wisdom your calm in moments of tension and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority a bridge between faiths a voice of moderation and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country’ he stated.

Tinubu also acknowledged the monarch’s contributions to interreligious understanding in his capacities as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

He observed that the Sultan’s commitment to religious tolerance helped Christians and Muslims find common ground showing that Nigeria’s diversity could be a source of national strength rather than division.

The President further highlighted the monarch’s interventions in promoting peace across Northern Nigeria and the Sahel alongside his advocacy for education particularly for the girl-child.

He equally praised the Sultan’s support for farmers public health initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the circumstances of disadvantaged Nigerians.

Tinubu said these contributions reflected a people-centred reign anchored on service compassion and national development.

Reflecting on their longstanding personal relationship the President expressed appreciation for the Sultan’s friendship prayers and constructive counsel which he said had consistently been guided by patriotism and Nigeria’s best interests.

‘Personally I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest patriotic and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation’ he said.

Joining millions of the monarch’s subjects admirers and friends within and outside Nigeria in celebrating the milestone Tinubu prayed for continued divine guidance good health and longevity for the traditional ruler.

‘As you celebrate this historic milestone I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to grant you good health long life and renewed wisdom. May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto unity to Nigeria and honour to the Ummah’ the President added.

Sultan Abubakar III who ascended the throne in November 2006 as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional and religious leaders playing prominent roles in national dialogue interfaith relations and peacebuilding efforts.

PBAT Door-to-Door Youth Network team up for Tinubu

The West Africa Chapter of All Progressives Congress(APC) Youth Network and the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement have forged a strategic alliance to strengthen grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Secretary of the South-West Zone of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Awoyinfa Opeoluwa described the two groups as formidable forces of the progressive family.

Opeoluwa stressed the importance of the synergy saying when the two forces shake hands it is a statement that causes a political earthquake.

The South-West Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Orisamoluwa Adekunle showered encomiums on the Director-General of the APC Youth Network West African chapter Olatunde Igbasan for his efforts saying his good works speak volumes across West African countries.

Igbasan said he believes in the vision of President Tinubu and the good works he has been doing for Nigeria and Nigerians.

He assured that he would bring Nigerians in the diaspora back to Nigeria to vote for the President.

More than 4,000 explosive devices neutralized in liberated territories

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has released data on mine clearance operations carried out in October by organizations involved in demining activities in the liberated territories.

According to ANAMA, a total of 799 anti-personnel mines, 180 anti-tank mines and 3,070 other unexploded ordnance items were detected and neutralized.

The operations covered the districts of Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavend, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil and Zangilan.

A total of 4,898.3 hectares of land were cleared of mines and other unexploded ordnance.

Mine clearance remains one of Azerbaijan’s key priorities in the post-conflict period, with extensive demining operations continuing to improve safety, facilitate reconstruction efforts, and enable the return of former internally displaced persons to the liberated territories.

Oloyede Igho others get Sokoto titles

Sokoto the seat of the Caliphate was agog yesterday.

Eminent Nigerians converged on the town for the commemoration of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s 20th anniversary on the exalted throne of the Sultanate.

As part of the celebration Sultan Abubakar turbaned 13 prominent sons of the soil and other personalities of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds from across the country for their services to humanity and national development.

The immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Is-haq Oloyede was turbaned the Kuliyan Sokoto; a former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Dr. Peter Igho was turbaned Kakakin Sokoto; and Gandi Umar was installed the Sarkin Galmar Sarkin Musulmi.

Also turbaned were two indigenes Prof. Mansur Ibrahim of the Uthman Dan Fodiyyo University (UDUS) and Chief Imam of Abu Huraira Mosque who waa turbaned Danmasanin Sokoto and Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan Iya installed as Dallatun Sokoto.

Others with their titles include: Abdulkadir Jeli Bello as Sarkin Fulotin Sokoto; Abubakar Saddique Abubakar as Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida Sokoto; Shehu Usman Abubakar as Fagacin Sokoto.

Bello Idris was turbaned as Wakilin Tarihin Daular Usmaniyya and Ibrahim Al-Mustapha Rabah as Bauran Sokoto and Aminu Isa Buhari was installed as Danmalikin Sokoto while Dr. Balarabe Kakale Shehu Shuni was installed as the Wakilin Makarantar Daular Usmaniyya and Abubakar Hussaini Bazza as the Sarkin Bai Sokoto.

Sultan Abubakar urged Nigerians to see themselves as a united family with different parents.

‘We are all on the same page. Let’s keep building on that for prosperity.

‘Having a united Nigeria is what we should always portray’ he said.

The revered leader described the unique and historic occasion as a step towards building a more loving and united course for Nigerians.

‘The new title holders are brought to help us not to do us favour in offloading the responsibilities shouldered on us.’

Accordingly Sultan Abubakar said it was a mark of trust honour and love shown to people across the world.

The religious leader took a turn to further explain the title of ‘Kuliyan Sokoto’ as one that promotes justice equity and fairness among equals.

He said Prof. Oloyede deserved the right title in the caliphate also stressing the significance of Peter Igho’s title of ‘Kakin Sokoto’.

Sultan Abubakar described Igho as a personality known all over the world for his strategic contributions to humanity.

‘You will bring good things closer to us from the outside world and make us amend what is bad for our unity and progress as a nation’ the Sultan stated.

He said the event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the beauty of unity love religious tolerance and brotherhood the caliphate has been known for.

The main investiture was also attended by House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen Sokoto State Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and business mogul Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo A. A.

The traditional durbar and traditional shaving ‘Bukin Aski’ were heralded as the new title holders queued in their numbers for the process.

Responding Prof. Oloyede thanked Allah for the honour and new responsibility which he described as a two-in-one: as a Muslim by faith and a Yoruba by birth from Egba.

According to him the title combines both sacred and mundane.

‘It’s a religious title by virtue of being given by the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto.

‘I will use the title genuinely for multiple rewards from Allah. It encompasses both traditional and corporate and is enough dignity for my person’ Oloyede said.

He expressed appreciation to the Sultan and thanked the Sokoto State government and people.

The former JAMB registrar acknowledged the show of love and brotherhood by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his special message.

‘I will describe this new title as one given by Allah above all titles.

‘I aspire not to be given any title than what Allah has done to me. I am grateful to Him and pray that He will continue to guide me’ he said.

Sokoto: Concerns Over Attack On ADC Guber Candidate’s Convoy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have traded blame following an attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.

Dan’iya had alleged that personnel of the Marshal and Community Guard, state-owned security outfits, attacked his convoy around the Sokoto Airport at about 9 pm on Friday, October 30, shortly after he escorted former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport.

The ADC candidate, in a statement by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, claimed that security personnel blocked his convoy and prevented it from passing, allegedly acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering Sokoto.

He alleged that gunshots were fired during the confrontation, his vehicle was damaged, and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team were detained.

Dan’iya described the incident as a threat to his life and called on the police, the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish those responsible.

The ADC candidate further alleged that earlier in the day, personnel of the security outfits had been deployed at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were reportedly stopped from entering.

The Director-General of the ADC campaign council, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged attack on Dan’iya.

Goronyo, in a statement, described the incident as a threat to the safety of the party’s governorship candidate and members of his entourage.

He maintained that no governor, political party or security commander had the authority to prevent citizens from entering a state because of their political affiliation.

The ADC director-general also accused the state government of allegedly deploying public security resources for partisan activities, arguing that security personnel should concentrate on addressing banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges facing communities.

However, the APC dismissed the allegations, describing them as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and divert attention from the ADC’s political challenges.

The state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, said the allegations were part of what he described as a propaganda campaign against the state government.

Adiya, in a statement, questioned the credibility of the account, particularly the claim that personnel of the state security outfits detained DSS officers and interfered with their vehicles.

He also faulted what he described as inconsistencies in the ADC’s account of the incident, arguing that while the party’s media aide reportedly claimed that security personnel prevented Dan’iya from entering Sokoto metropolis, the candidate’s statement indicated that he had visited different locations in the city to pay condolence visits and attend to other engagements.

The APC chairman also dismissed claims that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state, explaining that Sokoto was preparing to host a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

He said the event was expected to attract prominent personalities and visitors from different parts of the country, making adequate security arrangements necessary.

Analyst condemns attack

Speaking on the issue, Dr Aminu Hayatu, a political scientist at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), said the growing tension between political parties in some states was being fuelled by alleged attempts to suppress opposition activities.

He warned that the situation could degenerate into widespread violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said although heightened political tension was expected as the country moved closer to another election, the pattern of developments in some states over the past month suggested that the situation required serious attention.

He said the alleged restrictions, which he claimed were deliberately targeted and controlled by actors within the ruling party, had deepened opposition grievances over the political environment ahead of the elections.

According to him, the growing frustration had also contributed to retaliatory actions by opposition supporters, who sometimes resorted to tearing down ruling party banners whenever they sighted APC members or their campaign activities.

He warned that the situation could trigger more political violence as the election approached and potentially worsen during the polls if urgent steps were not taken.

Hayatu said security agencies had a critical role to play in containing the situation.

He, however, stressed that they could only do so by remaining neutral and resisting attempts by political actors to use them as instruments of intimidation or suppression.

He said the perceived involvement of security operatives in actions against opposition parties could further undermine confidence in the electoral process.

He argued that political parties must be allowed to operate freely and enjoy a level playing field to prevent existing tensions from escalating and threatening the conduct of free and fair elections.

Hayatu said suspicions that the ruling party was attempting to influence the electoral process had also contributed to the growing political hostility, noting that civil society organisations had raised concerns about the situation.

He urged political stakeholders to take the warning signs seriously.

He described Nigeria as an increasingly fragile polity, already grappling with economic difficulties and persistent security challenges, saying the addition of political violence could further destabilise the country.

The political scientist said the violence witnessed in Sokoto reflected what had been happening quietly in some parts of the North, warning that the situation could spread to other states if left unchecked.

President ready to meet with UN Envoy and Erhurman whenever deemed necessary

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed on Monday his readiness to meet with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, today or tomorrow, if Holguin deems it necessary.

In statements to journalists before attending the Annual General Assembly of the Association of Large Investment Projects, in Nicosia, the President of the Republic said that responses are expected both to the specific proposals submitted by the Greek Cypriot side as well as to issues discussed with Holguin.

He recalled that he had already expressed to the Personal Envoy of the UNSG his readiness to change his schedule so that a joint meeting of the three can take place, if the need arises after her meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader on Monday. Alternatively, he added, he is available to meet with her in person.

‘We certainly expect, I hope, that something will emerge that will lead to a joint meeting,’ he said.

Asked whether the conditions exist for convening an expanded meeting before the end of the current UN Secretary-General’s term, the President stressed that this is an ‘absolutely feasible goal,’ noting that what is needed is political will.

Moreover, the President pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side is constantly submitting proposals and suggestions for achieving this goal, which, demonstrate its political will and readiness to proceed to an expanded meeting, during which the resumption of talks will be announced.

As regards any developments during the period between Holguin’s bilateral meetings with the two leaders and the next trilateral meeting, the President said that the Turkish Cypriot leader will be away from Wednesday to Friday.

Asked about a possible meeting between Holguin and mayors and community leaders of occupied municipalities and communities, the President said that he was not aware of her schedule, adding, however, that he encouraged her to respond positively to the relevant request submitted by the occupied municipalities.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

’Short circuit risk’ remains, university says

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) has warned flood victims to check their homes for hidden electrical and structural damage, as submerged appliances could cause fires even if they appear to work normally.

The warning follows inspections by KMUTT lecturers and students, working with Singha R-SA and the King Mongkut’s Universities of Technology network, in the Rom Klao housing community after heavy rainfall and flooding in late September.

The team found faulty electrical installations and other hazards that homeowners might not have known about before the floods.

Asst Prof Atip Doolgindachbaporn of KMUTT’s electrical engineering department said many homes had power sockets installed close to the floor, leaving them vulnerable to flooding and short circuits.

Unlabelled circuit breakers also complicated repairs, forcing technicians to spend hours identifying which circuits they controlled.

Some residents had also suffered electric shocks when operating switches that had not been submerged, possibly because of accumulated moisture and deteriorating electrical components.

The team also discovered wiring installed incorrectly, with live and neutral wires switched, posing a safety risk that had existed before the flooding.

Asst Prof Atip advised homeowners in flood-prone areas to label circuit breakers clearly, separate lighting and socket circuits and raise sockets above previous flood levels where possible. Homes whose sockets, switches or electrical control panels have been inundated should not have their power restored until a qualified electrician has inspected the system.

Appliances that have been submerged should also be treated with caution, even if they have dried out and can still be switched on.

Water can damage insulation and internal components, creating a risk of short circuits or fires later.