News

When Danger Rides Beside You: The Evolving Face of ‘One Chance’ Crime in Abuja”

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

Habib Yakoob

Bad boys are getting more strategic and daring in Abuja these days. The “one chance” phenomenon is being redefined. It’s no longer just about jumping into a vehicle with four suspicious-looking men or women and finding yourself the lone “customer.” These days, even when you’re surrounded by strangers who look like regular passengers, you never can tell, you could still be walking into a trap.

A couple of weeks ago, a colleague of mine was robbed in a small Golf car along the Airport Road on his way to work. When he boarded the vehicle, only the driver and a man pretending to be asleep were inside.

He entered and took a seat. Another man immediately joined him behind, while a young man entered the front seat, bringing the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver, to five. They still needed two more passengers.

The driver drove a short distance, pretending to pick up passengers. Each time someone approached, he either asked if they had change or dismissed them for flimsy reasons. It all seemed normal. Until it wasn’t.

Eventually, he picked one man who claimed to have change. That man entered and sat behind, making four passengers in the back. Another man slipped into the front seat. They are seven now: three at the front and four behind.

A few kilometres down the road, the driver suddenly veered to the shoulder, saying he needed to check the air in his tyres. That was when the man in the front turned to the other passenger beside him and asked for his phone. The passenger looked confused, until he noticed that his once innocent-looking co-passenger was clutching a dagger tightly.

My colleague, who sat behind, was about to raise the alarm when he felt something cold and hard pressed into his ribs: it was a locally made pistol held by the half-asleep man he had met earlier behind the driver. Now fully alert, the man growled, “Oya, your phone, laptop, anything.”

Only his phone and some cash were taken. The driver had parked in a way that somehow shielded the scene from passersby. At the same time, the man who had entered last in the back was now brandishing a small knife at the third passenger, demanding his belongings too.

And that was how four bad guys including the driver strategically positioned at every exit point of the vehicle, robbed my colleague and two other passengers. After collecting their phones and money, the bandits pushed them out of the car, while the man with the gun kept pointing it at them, daring anyone to make a sound. Then they zoomed off.

Till now, I doubt whether my colleague has recovered from the shock. He still isn’t sure how he could have avoided the trap. He has since reported the incident to the police. But as he told me, “Hmm, this country? We just have to be more cautious and prayerful these days!”

News

Gaya Emirate Withdraws Traditional Title Of Wazirin Gaya From Former SSG,Alhaji Usman Alhaji,

Published

6 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Usman Alhaji ,Deposed Waziirin Gaya

The Gaya Emirate Council, Kano State, has formally withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya previously held by Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

In a letter conveyed to the former titleholder, the Council stated that the withdrawal was necessitated by certain unavoidable circumstances. The decision takes immediate effect.

This is contained in a statement signed by Munzali Muhammad Hausawa, Gaya
Zonal Information Officer and issued to newsmen in Kano on Wednesday.

Announcing the development, the Secretary to the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, noted that the Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya.

The statement added that, the Council expressed gratitude for his support to the traditional institution and his efforts in promoting the cultural heritage of the emirate.

This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values.

The general public is hereby informed and urged to take note of this development.

Nigerian Tracker reports that Alhaji Usman Alhaji was secretary to Kano state government during the administration of Dr .Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

He served as secretary to Kano state Government from 2016 to 2023.

He was the one that announced the deposition of Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9 2020.

News

DanMadanho Residents Urge Kano State Govt to Rehabilitate Road

Published

18 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Residents of DanMadanho in Gezawa Local Government Area have called on the state and local governments to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating road linking their community to Zango, especially with the rainy season approaching.

During a meeting with Gezawa’s Zonal Information Officer, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, the community members highlighted the dilapidated state of the road and appealed for immediate government intervention to ease transportation challenges.

However, the community also expressed appreciation for the developmental strides of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir, especially in the areas of healthcare, education, and other critical sectors.

Part of the dilapidated Road

Speaking on the importance of the road, Alhaji Isah DanMadanho, a respected elder in the area, highlighted its economic significance. He stated that the road connects multiple communities and, once constructed, will greatly boost the economic activities of the area.

Providing further insights, the Chairman of Gezawa Local Government, Alhaji Mukaddas Bala Jogana, said he has been actively following up with the State Ministry of Works under the Commissioner to ensure the commencement of the road project.

He urged the people of the area to remain patient and hopeful, expressing confidence that the DanMadanho road project will soon commence.

He also called on the residents to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at uplifting the status of the state.

Apart from the DanMadanho Road, the residents appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to fulfil his earlier promise of completing the Dakata to Rangaza to Bela Road that links DanMadanho town.

They said during the rainy season, the residents cannot easily come to Kano except in hardship.

News

Again,Government Declares Public Holiday

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, the President is expected to undertake a one-day condolence visit to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the recent wave of violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives across various communities.

The statement emphasized that the public holiday is intended to allow residents the opportunity to come out en masse and give the President a warm and respectful reception.

This visit is of great symbolic and emotional significance,” the statement noted. “It offers the people of Benue the chance to hear directly from the President and receive assurances of support from the federal government in the wake of the tragic incidents.”

However, the government clarified that the public holiday does not apply to workers in essential services such as healthcare, security, and banking, who are expected to remain on duty to maintain critical services.

President Tinubu had earlier hinted at cutting short his engagements to prioritize a visit to Benue in light of the deadly attacks, which have drawn national concern.

Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace and order during the President’s visit.