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Witness Tells Panel How Police Tortured Man To Death

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Muhammad Adamu

 

Alhasan Bala,Abuja

 

One Mr. Okechukwu Jonnah had expressed fear before the IPP-SARS Panel that his brother Obinnah Jonah must have been killed by police when the case was part heard in November, a witness on the invitation of the panel revealed how the late Obinna Jonnah died in police custody.

 

The witness, Abbah Onoja said it all happened in January when he has arrested with his friend Chizoba Samuel at a friend’s house in Karmo a suburb in the FCT, over an allegation of belonging to a cult.

 

Onoja told the Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) led panel that late Obinna and several others were later arrested the same day after his (Onoja’s) arrest over the same allegation. He said they were all tortured to admit that they were cultists.

 

According to Onoja, the severe beating received by Obinna must have resulted in his death because Obinna was unable to walk after the severe beating so he has to offer him support to manage his condition.

IIP-SARS: Woman Testifies How Her 21-Year-Old Son Was Killed By SARS

Speaking further, Onoja said, they were later taken to police command ‘when we go there, Obinna could not walk again, I was the one who held him he could not also talk again when he was asked some questions, the officer in charge who was asking the questions began to severely hit Obinna with his baton saying he was not ready to talk.

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He said they were later moved to the popular SARS detention center in an abattoir for further investigation.

 

On getting to the abattoir, Onoja said one DSP Jumbo who seems to be the head of the place instructed that Obinna should be dropped.

 

“He was kept in the cell and by the next morning he was dead, the inmates were asked to bring his corpse”.  Onoja insisted that Obinna was in a good state of health when he was arrested.

 

Earlier, another witness Josef Akinola informed the panel that he was present at the mechanic workshop as at the time Obinna was arrested and taken away by the police operatives on the day of the said arrest.

 

According to him, SARS operatives came to the workshop under the pretext that they wanted to repair their vehicle and when Joseph stepped forward to undertake the job, they specifically requested for Obinna. And when Obinna appeared they forcefully took him away, however before they left, one of the SARS men dropped their number with Joseph.

 

Continuing, Josef said that when the family members of Obinna called the phone line given by one of the police operatives who arrested the victim, the person who answered the call identified himself as a road safety officer.

 

Out of curiosity, Obinna’s family members went to Jabi-Mabushi police station possibly to ascertain the identity of the person who said he is a road safety officer and to unravel the whereabouts of their missing son, Obinna.

 

In view of this development, the panel requested that Police through the FCT Command should provide the Officer-in-Charge of Operation Anti-One Chance and all the personnel of the anti one chance unit in Jabi  on February 9 2021 to enable the panel to arrive at an informed decision in the matter.

 

In his response, the Police Liaison Secretariat for the panel and a member of the police legal defense team, Fidelis Ogwobe assured the panel that efforts will be made by the police to get the name of the Officer-in-Charge of Anti-One Chance and other members as requested by the panel.

 

Meanwhile, the police legal defense team led by James Idachaba said that they cannot cross-examine the witness until they carry out the necessary investigations into some of the statements made by the witness.

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Prominent Kano Politician Ibrahim Little Sues Danagundi, Ibn Sina Over Hisbah Establishment

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A chieftain and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin “Little,” has filed a legal action at the Kano State High Court challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah body in the state.

It will be recalled that Little had earlier written to the concerned parties, urging them to suspend the move in the interest of peace and stability in the state. A copy of the letter, addressed to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also sent to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Baffa Babba Danagundi; Haruna Ibn Sina; and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to his Executive Assistant and Media Aide, Adnan Mukhtar, Little decided to seek legal redress following what he described as the respondents’ persistence and insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

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“Dissatisfied with their recent actions and continued insistence on moving forward with the establishment process, Little approached the Kano State High Court to seek redress,” Mukhtar said.

Those listed as respondents in the suit include the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Kano State Hisbah Board, Baffa Babba Danagundi, and Haruna Ibn Sina.

In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Little said:

“I have today instructed my lawyers to file an action challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah in Kano State. This follows my recent letter to the parties concerned and their insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

 

“I believe this move is an attempt to disrupt our peaceful coexistence at a time when the state is facing security challenges.

 

“The peace of Kano State remains our utmost priority.

Kano Sabuwa, In sha Allahu.”

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Commissioning of Kano State Online Media Chapel Marks Historic Milestone in Journalism

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

The commissioning of the Kano State Online Media Chapel at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council Secretariat marked a defining moment in the history of journalism practice in Kano State. The event reflects the continuous evolution of the media profession in response to digital transformation and modern communication realities.

The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from journalism and government circles, underscoring the importance of online media as a vital component of information dissemination, public enlightenment, and democratic engagement in contemporary society.

NUJ National President’s Remarks
In his keynote address, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described the commissioning as a progressive step aligned with global best practices in journalism, where digital platforms now play a central role in shaping public opinion and narratives.

He emphasized that the Online Media Chapel was not established merely for recognition, but to instill discipline, professionalism, and ethical compliance among online journalists operating within Kano State and beyond.

“Journalism remains a noble profession that demands responsibility, truthfulness, and accountability, regardless of whether it is practiced through print, broadcast, or online platforms,” Abdullahi stated. He cautioned against the misuse of digital platforms for misinformation, character assassination, and unverified reports, warning that such practices pose serious threats to societal peace, national security, and the credibility of the profession.

The NUJ President charged members of the Online Media Chapel to see themselves as ambassadors of responsible journalism, committed to accuracy, balance, and fairness in all their reports. He assured that the national body would continue to provide guidance, support, and policy direction to ensure online journalists are fully integrated into the union’s professional framework.

Kano State Government’s Position
Delivering his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the commissioning as a timely intervention in the state’s information ecosystem.

He noted that the Kano State Government recognizes the influence of online media in shaping public perception and applauded the NUJ for organizing practitioners under a structured and accountable platform.

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The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNISE, to sustaining a healthy relationship with the media as partners in governance and development. He urged online journalists to use their platforms to promote peace, unity, and developmental initiatives, stressing that responsible reporting remains a key pillar for social stability and economic growth.

“Freedom of expression must go hand in hand with respect for the law, ethical standards, and cultural values,” Waiya emphasized, assuring the chapel of the ministry’s readiness to engage constructively with practitioners to ensure accurate dissemination of government policies and programs.

NUJ Kano State Council’s Perspective
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, welcomed guests and described the day as historic for the council and online media practitioners.

He explained that the decision to establish the Online Media Chapel was borne out of the need to accommodate the growing number of journalists operating on digital platforms within Kano State.

Comrade Dederi noted that the chapel would serve as a platform for capacity building, ethical regulation, and collective engagement, aimed at improving the welfare and professional competence of its members. He reiterated the council’s commitment to fostering unity among all chapels under the NUJ umbrella, emphasizing that journalism thrives best in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.

Online Media Chapel’s Commitment
Speaking on behalf of online media practitioners, the Kano State Chairman of the Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, described the commissioning as a dream fulfilled and a turning point for online journalism in Kano State.

He expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership at both state and national levels for formally recognizing online journalists as critical stakeholders in the media industry.

Comrade Dangambo pledged that members of the chapel would operate with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the public. He emphasized that the chapel would prioritize training, mentorship, and internal regulation to ensure members uphold the ethics of journalism at all times.

He further stressed the collective resolve of members to combat fake news, hate speech, and sensational reporting that could undermine social harmony, calling on online journalists to see the chapel as a platform for unity, self-discipline, and continuous learning in line with global journalism standards.

Conclusion
The atmosphere of the event reflected shared optimism and commitment by all stakeholders toward strengthening journalism practice in the digital era. Participants expressed confidence that the Online Media Chapel would contribute positively to professional development, public trust, and credible information dissemination.

The establishment of the chapel was widely acknowledged as a proactive response to the challenges and opportunities presented by digital journalism. The commissioning ceremony concluded with a collective call for ethical journalism, unity among practitioners, and sustained engagement in advancing the role of the media in national development.

The Kano State Online Media Chapel now stands as a symbol of progress, professionalism, and adaptation, reflecting the enduring relevance of journalism in a rapidly changing digital world.

 

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Sharada Highlights Africa’s Security Concerns at Washington Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum

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Hon. Sohan Dasgupta, Former Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with Hon. Shaaban Sharada.

 

 

As the 31st Washington Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum (PI-SF) concluded, participants exchanged ideas on pressing global security challenges and explored actionable solutions aimed at making the world a safer place. The forum brought together lawmakers, security experts, and policymakers from across the globe to deliberate on strategies for peace, intelligence cooperation, and stability.

Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada, former Chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, emphasized the importance of leveraging such platforms to address Africa’s unique security concerns.

Sharada, who also serves as the Forum’s Director for African Parliamentarians Engagements and a member of its steering committee, noted that discussions at the event were particularly relevant to Nigeria and the wider African continent during this challenging period.

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“I engaged in meaningful discussions on peace and stability in Africa, particularly in my country, during this trying moment,” Sharada stated. He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained at the forum would be communicated back to stakeholders within his jurisdiction, fostering collaboration with PI-SF to strengthen Africa’s security architecture and promote global understanding.

Sharada said there is the need for African leaders to take advantage of international platforms like PI-SF to build partnerships that can help tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational threats. He stressed that Africa’s security challenges require not only local solutions but also global cooperation, given their impact on international peace and stability.

The Washington Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum has become a key gathering for legislators and security professionals worldwide, providing a space to share experiences and develop strategies to counter evolving threats. With Sharada’s active role in bridging African parliamentarians and the forum, Nigeria’s voice continues to resonate in global security dialogues.

 

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