News
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
By: Dayo Thomas
(A journalist)
The case of Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola is indeed a disturbing example of how state power can be misused to persecute individuals who dare to challenge powerful people in Nigeria.
This case involves a dispute between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola, with Farotimi accusing Babalola of exerting corrupt influence over the Nigerian judiciary. The situation escalated with Farotimi facing persecution and intimidation, highlighting the risks faced by those who speak truth to power in Nigeria.
As a journalist, I have a perfect understanding that it is a demonstration of the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in Nigeria, where individuals with influence can manipulate the system to silence critics and opponents.
As a journalist in Nigeria, I have had my fair share of encounters with those in power. I had many encounters, but one particular experience stands out when I was with the National Interest Newspaper and investigating a financial fraud story involving a bank managing director and a PDP chieftain in Anambra State. It was terrible!
While carrying out my legitimate assignment, I faced intimidation, harassment and bullying from the Department of State Services (DSS) for daring to challenge the ‘owners of Nigeria’.
After our initial discussions with the managing director on phone, we were “invited” by the MD to balance our story and hear his own side. The interview lasted for just few minutes, but what followed was as dramatic as it was intriguing. In a twinkling of an eye, heavily armed men appeared and ordered us to raise our hands and surrender our phones. “Hands up, you bastards,” echoed the leader of a team who ordinarily was supposed to mediate in a civil matter.
We were matched down the stairs like criminals and forced to raise our hands amidst unfriendly sun and enthusiastic bank customers and then in a James Bond version driven in a 504 station wagon to DSS headquarters in Shagisha, Lagos where the second leg of the intimidation commenced.
This encounter is a testament to the challenges journalists and others face in Nigeria when trying to hold those in power accountable.
My story highlights the bravery and resilience of journalists and others who risk their lives and safety to expose corruption and wrongdoings in our system
It also underscores the importance of a liberal criminal justice system and a free press in holding those in power accountable.
As I said, “Don’t pity Dele, it’s the lot of people’s defenders to face the wrath of Nigeria’s powerful elite for daring to ask them to account for their stewardship.
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A 42-year-old man, Shok Musa, has been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Kafanchan in Kaduna state.
Zagazola gathered from reliable sources that the incident occurred on Sunday night near the victim’s shop at Ungwa Kanikon, Gidan Waya.
Security forces rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call, and found Musa with fatal gunshot injuries on his back.
“He was taken to Anglican Hospital, Gidan Waya, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His body was later deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital mortuary,”said the sources.
The sources added that investigation had commenced, and efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and security measures along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor, Rigasa train station, and the Abuja–Kaduna highway.
Sources said the move was part of efforts to protect critical transport infrastructure and forestall criminal attacks.
The sources stated that area commanders in Jere and Kakuri, as well as divisional police officers along the rail corridor, had been placed on red alert in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Rigasa train main station has been fortified, while patrols along the railway line and sub-stations have been intensified. Patrol vehicles deployed on the Abuja–Kaduna highway are maintaining 24-hour visibility, with hourly situation reports rendered accordingly,”said sources.
Security forces assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safe travel and the protection of lives and property across the state.
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
At least two persons were killed following an attack by suspected bandits on villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred on Sunday night when bandits invaded Babangida and Madugu villages.
The sources said that the military troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and local patrol teams, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to abort a planned assault on Sabon Garin Safana village.
“However, two victims, identified as Shamsu Sani, 25, of Makera, and Abdurrashed Rabe, 25, of Tashar Mangwaro, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Dutsinma, where they were confirmed dead,” said the sources.
The sources said that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
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