News
Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers
Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has reiterated on the need for Nigerians travelling outside the shores of the country to be more circumspect to avoid any untoward circumstances.
Dabiri-Erewa gave this advisory during a visit by the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited and President of the Christian Tourism Practioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere,, who lamented the maltreatment he suffered at Cairo Tarmac during a stopover on his pilgrimage to Israel.
Kristilere, recounting the events of April 30th, 2024, when he and 27 pilgrims, were en route to Israel during a four-hour layover in Cairo, said: “Myself and another first-class passenger were resting in the lounge. Around midnight, when I observed that boarding has commenced, yet my group remained seated. Upon inquiry, I learnt they had instructed us to wait.”
Kristilere added that when he attempted to board, he was detained by airport security personnel on accusations of sexual abuse, based on a trump-up complaint and a supposed video recording he was not allowed to view.
Forced to apologize to the alleged victim to avoid court proceedings, he expressed his sympathy for the lady in case someone else had abused her and she mistook him for the person. He also documented his refusal to sign an Arabic document by writing “I DO NOT KNOW” above his surname while recording the audio of the encounter through his phone.
Amidst this ordeal, the intervention of the Desk Manager resulted in the return of Rev. Kristilere’s passport and his release. On May 1st, at around 1 a.m, the 27 pilgrims, who had refused to board without him, finally departed Cairo together.
Reacting to the sordid narrative, the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi clarified that NIDCOM would bring his petition to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Egypt , adding that they have the powers and jurisdiction to intervene and investigate.
She apologized for the maltreatment Rev. Kristilere endured, emphasizing that no Nigerian should face inhumane treatment abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa commended Rev. Kristilere for securing support from the Christian Pilgrims Commission and encouraged him to forward relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy.
The NiDCOM Boss further assured that the commission will continue to advocate for dignified and humane treatment and privileges of Nigerians all over the world.
Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Taraba has arrested some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and recovered election materials allegedly diverted during the by-election for Karim Lamido I Constituency of the State House of Assembly.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Sunday that the arrests followed credible intelligence provided by party agents.
The sources said the incident occurred on Aug. 16 at about 2:20 p.m. when a team of policemen intercepted the suspects at a private residence in Angwan Sarkin Panya village.
Those arrested included Gideon Amos, 49, an Assistant Presiding Officer II assigned to Polling Unit 16, Angwan Yusuf Dogo, Bikwin Ward, and two others identified as Matthew Jayi, 47, and Tiasama Mathias Musa, 32.
The suspects allegedly diverted materials meant for three polling units PU 005 Gandara, PU 016 Angwan Yusuf Dogo, and PU 029 Angwan Sarkin Primary School — to the residence.
Items recovered from them included three ballot boxes, two BIVAS machines, 19 booklets and 20 pieces of ballot papers, two stamp pads with ink, one marker, and two result sheets.
The sources also disclosed that in the process of resisting the diversion, a police officer on election duty, PC Christian Garba, had his uniform forcibly removed by hoodlums who fled with it.
The sources added that voting had ended in most polling units and collation of results was in progress while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
End
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command says it has intercepted 107 suspected political thugs and recovered arms and dangerous weapons during the ongoing re-run and by-elections in the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Aug. 16 at about 11:00 a.m., followed credible intelligence and was carried out jointly with the military, DSS and other security services.
It was gathered that 20 vehicles conveying the suspected thugs, believed to have been imported from neighbouring states, were intercepted across the affected local government areas.
Items recovered from the suspects included four locally fabricated rifles, axes, cutlasses, daggers, swords, and sticks.
Security sources said the elections in the affected areas were marred by violence, thuggery, stuffing of thumb-printed ballot papers, threats, and intimidation of voters, as well as alleged inducement of electorates by government officials.
The sources added that operations were still ongoing to restore peace and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijani, among many dignitaries, attended the funeral prayer of the mother of the acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Hajja Bintu, in Maiduguri.
Late Hajja Bintu Mohammed died on Friday at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 75, leaving behind five children.
The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Zannah Laisu Ibrahim, on Saturday evening.
Governor Zulum, accompanied by his deputy Umar Kadafur, were among the family members and associates at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport to receive the body of late Hajja Bintu earlier before the funeral prayer.
The funeral was also attended by various officials, including National and State Assembly members, cabinet members, heads of government agencies, local government officials, friends and family members.
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
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