Category: Daily Trust

Deriving its power from the FCT Act, the Abuja Master plan and all its support documents, like the city land use plan, Development Control Guidelines and Regulations, Central Area Urban Design and Development Guidelines 1981 and 1998, The FCT Park Regulation 2005, The Park Policy 2019 and general guidelines for design development of park, green area, open spaces, the Abuja Environmental Protection Act of 1997 and others, were all official gazettes and legal documents.

Any attempt to change or review any aspect of their provisions must undergo painstaking procedures akin to the process that produce them. Public hearing inclusive. Anyone appointed as FCT minister by the president, has the responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the city and its citizens. Also, he is to hold the Abuja lands in trust and to ensure that all these legal provisions are not violated throughout his tenure.

Truly, they are manmade documents and subject to fallibility. However, meticulous procedures were undertaken by the founding fathers, in collaboration with the necessary stakeholders and intellectuals to ensure that they are very close to perfection as possible, according to the human intellect. Changing these plans and provisions by any surreptitious order, just to satisfy the whims and caprices of any government functionary, or any selfish aggrandizement most never be condoned.

We are all in support and have been advocating for the review of the Abuja Master Plan due to the changing times and standard. We must understand that the call is for a review not violation of the plan. Persons with ulterior motive should not capitalize on the call for review to wildly engage in very dangerous violations.

Park licenses are prerequisite for approval for park developments according to the park development guidelines. But last month a statement was made from the FCT Administration that all park licenses in Abuja were revoked. In essence, all parks’ operations were stopped. The reason advanced was to restore order and adherence to the existing policy governing park operations.

It further stated that ‘the minister is at liberty to do whatever he wants to do with land in the FCT, parks inclusive.’ It was more unfortunate that the statement was made by a seasoned professional in the system who should rightly guide the minister against violations of the plans, and the regulations guiding land developments in the city. Specifically, as it concerns the protection of the city parks?

It is not also true, that the minister has exclusive right to do whatever he wants with the Abuja land. This is one of the most bizarre statement we have ever heard from an institution that is entrusted and charged with the protection and control of Abuja land against abuse. Yes, the minister can allocate Abuja lands, but in line with laid down regulations, specifically that of land use, in order to ensure compliance and also ensure justice to all citizens. If not why should aggrieved parties sue the authority and the minister and always succeed in getting justice?

The pretext was that there were series of violations, but it is now very clear that it was a deception. Because, many parks in the city are now allocated for contrary uses directly by the administration that was crying foul and shedding crocodile tears that operators were violating the Abuja Master Plan.

Truly, no matter how vigilant a government can check abuse there are recalcitrant elements that would try to violate regulations. But for the government of the day to be seen orchestrating the abuse directly, after using its instrument to drive the park operators, is unprecedented. If the previous administrations were not up and doing on the prevention of these type of abuses, the Wike administration would not have met any park standing in the city today.

Areas earmarked for greening were used for laying underground services, because no developments are allowed on parks. As cried by the Zone 6 residents, due to the violations ‘There is hardly any street that is not having sewer line bleeding onto the streets, making them very smelly and unsightly. The outbreak of gastrointestinal and other waterborne diseases of huge proportions is a disaster waiting to happen in the neighbourhood’.

Now that almost all the surrounding area were buildup, where would the underground infrastructure be rerouted through, and why should the FCTA spend huge public fund in a venture that involve the violation of statutory rules and regulations?

We are now faced with a situation, which instead of recovering lands meant for parks and recreations that were violated for other uses as provided in the Park Policy, the FCT Administration is the one making the violations by allocating the green areas for other uses. Specifically, as it concerns Zone 6 Neghbouhood Park in the Wuse District, just a stone throw from the FCT Department of Development Control that should never allow the violation. Yet the development was allowed to continue non-stop. Truly, many FCT ministers have come and gone, but, the FCT never had it this rough.

The longest-serving Coordinators of the Super Eagles, Mr. Emmanuel Danjuma Attah, has expressed confidence that the three-time African champions would pick the sole ticket to represent the continent at the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.

Th e Super Eagles failed to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup from Group C but managed to pick one of the CAF playoff tickets after finishing second ahead of Benin Republic.

Therefore, they must navigate Ex-coordinator, Attah, tips Eagles to win CAF and FIFA Playoff s Super Eagles strikers, Victor Osimhen, celebrates after scoring one of his three goals against Benin Republic on Tuesday in Uyo through the CAF and FIFA Inter- Continental Playoff s in November and March to qualify for the next World Cup.

Th e Super Eagles are paired with Gabon in the African Playoff to be held in November in Morocco. If they beat Gabon, they would face either Cameroon or Congo DR in the final.

If they pick the sole ticket, they would proceed to Mexico for the Inter-Continental Playoff in March. Although it promises to be a daunting challenge, Attah is optimistic that if the Super Eagles approach the Playoff s with the same

fighting spirit they exhibited against Benin Republic, they would surely qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the former Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FCT FA) said ‘Well, great performance to have secured us a playoff slot, even though it’s not what we wanted.

‘If the boys had put up 70% of this performance at the beginning of the campaign, we would have been the first country in Africa to qualify with two matches to go.

‘Now it’s the long route. I strongly believe we will be Africa’s representative in the Playoff and go on to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.’

However, Attah said the team’s number one goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who nearly cost the country the Playoff ticket must be cautioned against costly mistakes and dangerous antics.

‘Nwabali the goalkeeper, should be strongly advised or caution against attempted murder through his antics.

‘Did he want to send football crazy Nigerians to their early graves? For God’s sake these matches are not secondary school games.

‘I was his victim in the match against Lesotho. My BP shot up to a dangerous level and I had to take emergency medication,’ said the Chief Operating Offi cer (COO) of the Nigerian National League (NNL).

Suspected bandits have killed seven villagers in a reprisal attack on Thursday in Kuyello Ward, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident followed the killing of a suspected bandit four days earlier.

The deceased was said to have been terrorizing local miners in the area before being confronted and killed by the local miners.

However, in a reprisal attack, the bandits stormed the Layin Dan Auta area of Kuyello Ward, shooting sporadically and killing seven residents, including two women. A youth leader in Kuyello area, who simply identified himself as Muhammadu Baba, explained the circumstances leading to the attack.

‘There was this bandit that had been terrorizing the local miners each time they closed from work by seizing their items. They complained to his master, but no action was taken. So they decided to kill him. They also confiscated his motorcycle and gun.

‘Later, the bandits demanded the return of the motorcycle and the gun, but our vigilantes refused to release them. So they came on a revenge mission, killing people in the village, including two women.’

‘About eight others sustained gunshot wounds and are presently receiving treatment at the hospital,’ he added.

According to him, those killed were not the miners involved in the earlier incident, but innocent villagers from Layin Dan Auta in Kuyello.

He added that while the community is currently calm, residents remain on high alert in case the attackers return.

There are also reports suggesting that the slain bandit was from Zamfara State and had come to the area to extort a monetary levy from illegal miners.

When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the attack, adding that the command had deployed additional personnel to the area to prevent further violence.

He further explained that the attackers came from neighboring Zamfara and Katsina States, but the prompt response of security operatives helped contain the situation.

Islamic scholars and religious leaders from across Northern Nigeria have rejected claims alleging a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, calling such claims misleading and divisive.

US Congressman, Sen. Ted Cruz, recently introduced a bill seeking to protect Christians in Nigeria from what he described as religious persecution and genocide.

But the Nigerian government had dismissed the claim. The National Assembly also resolved to engage directly with the U.S. Congress to address and counter what it described as an inaccurate portrayal of Nigeria’s security situation as an anti-Christian genocide.

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The Islamic scholars, after a summit in Kaduna on Wednesday, debunked the Christian genocide claim and urged the federal government to encourage the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to publicly discredit the allegation.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the Special Northern Ulamah Summit held in Kaduna, the Ulamas also appealed to the media and global actors to promote accurate reporting that fosters unity.

The communiqué was jointly signed by representatives of leading Islamic organizations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

Signatories included prominent Islamic leaders such as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar (SCSN); Prof. Sheikh Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI); Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS); Sheikh Nasir Kabara (Qadiriyya), Barr. Hajara Jibril, Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, among others.

Expressing deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation, the scholars warned that Nigeria’s fragile unity is under increasing threat from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. They urged authorities to employ all lawful means to restore peace and stability.

The scholars reaffirmed their willingness to partner with the government through peace advocacy, moral reorientation, and community mediation to complement ongoing security efforts.

They also condemned attempts to ignite ethnic discord, particularly between the Hausa and Fulani communities, describing such efforts as ‘orchestrated attempts by certain elements to sow division.’

They urged the government to recalibrate its peace-building approach, particularly in regions devastated by banditry, terrorism, and communal conflict.

‘The government must approach reconciliation with utmost caution and from a position of strength. However, reconciliation should go beyond elite negotiations and military crackdowns. It must be comprehensive and inclusive-addressing the needs of all parties: victims, bandits, and other stakeholders-while prioritising rehabilitation, reintegration, and the rebuilding of affected communities,’ the communiqué said.

The scholars also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza as ‘a grave violation of humanity and international law.’

They commended the Federal Government’s support for Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and urged Muslims to sustain their ‘advocacy, prayers, and humanitarian assistance.’

The Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is investigating the murder of a three-year-old girl in the Kiyawa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The command said medical examination at its disposal confirmed that the deceased was raped, molested, and murdered by yet-to-be-identified person(s).

This information was contained in a statement on Thursday in Dutse by the command’s spokesperson, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani.

The command expressed deep concern and condemnation over the tragic murder of the girl, a resident of Sabon Gari in Kiyawa LGA, whose lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush.

‘The victim was declared missing by her parents on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, around 11am. Sadly, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at about the same time, information reached the Kiyawa Divisional Office that the body of the little girl had been found in a nearby bush with multiple injuries,’ he added.

Tijjani said that upon receipt of the distress report, NSCDC personnel in the area swiftly mobilized to the scene and evacuated the body to a hospital for proper medical examination and investigation.

According to him, the medical examination confirmed that the deceased was raped, molested, and murdered by yet-to-be-identified person(s).

‘The command condemned this inhuman and ungodly act,’ Tijjani said.

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Muhammad Kabiru, has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to work closely with the Kiyawa Divisional Office and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrator(s) of the heinous act are arrested and brought to justice.

Tijjani added that the remains of the deceased have been released to her family for burial.

While reassuring the public of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, particularly the safety of children and other vulnerable members, the spokesperson urged residents to report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security formation.

No fewer than 10 miners sustained injuries in a clash with mining Marshals of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Gada-Eregi, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident, which happened on Thursday morning, led to a blockade on the Minna-Bida road for several hours by miners who demanded justice for their injured colleagues.

Local sources told Daily Trust that the crisis was triggered by attempts to arrest the miners for alleged illegal mining.

Daily Trust gathered that a patrol vehicle of the NSCDC officials was damaged by the angry miners.

Niger State Command of NSCDC confirmed the incident but denied the shooting by its personnel.

The Command’s Public Relations officer, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, said even in the face of violent confrontation that eventually led to the damage of their patrol vehicle, the officers exercised restraint.

‘On October 16, 2025, at approximately 9.22am, our personnel were attacked by hoodlums while attempting to arrest suspects engaged in illegal mining activities.

‘Despite being attacked, our personnel exercised restraint and pulled out of the area without escalating the situation.

‘We wish to clarify that there was no loss of life or injury to civilians during this incident. Our personnel acted professionally, and the damage reported was limited to our vehicles.

‘The NSCDC Niger State Command urges the public to disregard the false information being spread and appreciates the support and understanding of the general public in this matter. We remain committed to protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure,’ Muti said.

The police in Lagos State, on Thursday, charged two men before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing gold worth N6.1 million.

The defendants, Friday Okem (22) and Abdulmumin Mohammed (30) are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on August 25, at No. 51 Aladeola St, in the Ikosi Ketu area of Lagos.

She alleged that Okem and others now at large, stole gold rings, chains and pendants valued at N6.1 million belonging to one Mr Yusuf Musbau. (NAN)

Meanwhile, the prosecution alleged that the second defendant (Mohammed) dishonestly received part of the stolen items from Okem (first defendant) knowing that they were stolen.

The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 287(7), 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mr L. A. Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N600,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until November 25, for hearing.

The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced three men to varying jail terms for being in possession of counterfeit naira notes.

The convicts were identified as Olaitan Dina (46), an aluminum fabricator from Maraba in Ilorin; Opeyemi Jeremiah, a bakery worker from Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State; and Adebayo Mayowa Abiola from Osi, Ekiti State.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed them different prison terms.

They were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and handed over to the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

The EFCC said the fake naira notes found in their possession bore identical serial numbers, confirming that they were counterfeits. The commission subsequently charged the three suspects separately before the court on different counts. They all pleaded guilty.

During the trial, EFCC counsel Aliyu Adebayo presented Detective Abdulhakeem Sani Umar as a witness. The operative told the court that the fake currency recovered from the defendants was sent to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja for forensic analysis, which confirmed that the notes were counterfeit.

The prosecution tendered the fake notes and the defendants’ statements as evidence, urging the court to convict them.

In her judgment, Justice Awogboro held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

‘The issue of naira counterfeiting is a serious crime against the law and the society. I wonder what this country is turning into. Many are involved in drug abuse, some in cybercrime, and now others in counterfeiting. The court must pass a sentence that will serve as a deterrent,’ she said.

Justice Awogboro sentenced Dina to 18 months imprisonment, while Jeremiah and Abiola were each sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.

The judge ordered that the sentences take effect from October 15, 2025, and ruled that there would be no option of fine.

All counterfeit notes recovered from the convicts were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan hosted Niger Delta activist and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, at his country home in Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State, on Friday.

The ex-militant leader, whose company is handling the contract for the security of oil installations in the Niger Delta region, arrived former President Jonathan’s home at about few minutes past noon.

He was accompanied by the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Joshua Maciver, and the the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, among others.

Jonathan told newsmen that he invited Tompolo over because of complaints by some people and to also discuss sustenance of the peace in the Niger Delta region. He said: ‘Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that played key role in the unity of our people, but today’s visit, you know he is been handling this security issue in the Niger Delta and I remember as Vice president, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta, and there are issues that people are complaining about, so I decided to call him so that we can have conversations along those lines. So that people will be carried along to make sure that the Niger Delta continues to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me.

‘So I appreciate his visit, because he is somebody we appreciate. He has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil installations.’

Tompolo has been indirectly involved in the forthcoming presidential election which Jonathan is speculated to be considering.

An ally of Jonathan while in office, Tompolo is now seen to be aligning with President Bola Tinubu.

Recently, he was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for Tinubu in 2027.

Earlier in June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying their aim is to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.

Recently, Tompolo was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 elections, because according to him, the president has done well.

In June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying their aim is to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.

Despite Jonathan’s disclosure of the discussion with Tompolo and the reason for their meeting, there unconfirmed reports that he came to persuade Jonathan against contesting in 2027.

The Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has honoured 108 teachers and Mallams for their outstanding contributions to academic excellence and moral upbringing during the 2025 International Teachers’ Day celebration held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the AMIS FCT Chairman and Proprietor of Voyage International Schools, Mallam Yusuf Oriyomi, acknowledged the demanding nature of teaching, stressing that teachers are often ‘mentors, motivators, philosophers, and even counsellors.’

‘Teachers raise students morally and intellectually. They manage not just academics but emotional and behavioural challenges,’ Oriyomi said, adding that poor remuneration and societal neglect continue to discourage many from the profession.

He, however, commended private Islamic schools for integrating modern technology into learning, noting that many have introduced artificial intelligence, robotics, and STEM subjects even before the federal government rolled out its revised curriculum.

‘Today’s children are digital natives. We must train teachers to keep pace with technology and prepare them to transfer that knowledge effectively,’ he said.

The Vice Chairperson of AMIS FCT, Hajia Mariya Sirajo Sani, described teachers as ‘the bedrock upon which knowledge and character are built,’ adding that their commitment reflects the Islamic principle of seeking and imparting knowledge as a sacred duty.

She praised the awardees drawn from 43 AMIS member schools for their ‘remarkable dedication to nurturing young minds, inspiring innovation, and fostering learning rooted in Islamic values.’

‘Teachers embody compassion, wisdom, and perseverance as they guide students toward academic excellence and moral uprightness,’ she said. ‘Their efforts shape individuals of strong faith, integrity, and service to humanity.’

Sani urged school leaders and parents to continue supporting educators, emphasizing that ‘education that harmonises academic rigour with spiritual growth’ remains the core vision of AMIS.

Similarly, Mrs. Jaleela Balogun, Head of School at I-Scholars International Academy, urged teachers to find purpose and motivation beyond monetary rewards.

‘Yes, the economy is tough, but teachers should draw joy from the impact they make in children’s lives. When we see our students succeed and return to say thank you, that is our greatest reward,’ she said.

She encouraged teachers to embrace continuous self-improvement and leverage digital platforms for personal and professional growth.

AMIS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teachers’ welfare and promoting an education system that integrates knowledge, faith, and innovation for the holistic development of future leaders.