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FCT monarch backs drug test for intending couples

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FCT monarch backs drug test for intending couples

FCT monarch backs drug test for intending couples

By Michael Mike

The Ona of Abaji and Chairman, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Council of Chiefs, Abuja, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa has directed the immediate implementation of drug integrity test policy that will ensure intending couples present certificate of fitness before being joined in holy matrimony.

The first class monarch, gave the directive to the Chief Imam of Abaji and his Council of Chiefs when the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) paid him an advocacy visit for the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

Marwa had in his remarks congratulated the monarch on his 25th anniversary on the throne and upholding the tradition and culture of his kingdom. He commended the royal father for his unflinching support for NDLEA and the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

According to him, “the traditional institution is a very important stakeholder because the traditional institution exists across every part of our society; all the way to the grassroots. It is for this reason, we would like to appeal to His Royal Highness who already has been in the forefront of tackling drug abuse to continue and intensify these efforts to set up a WADA committee in Abaji kingdom that will report directly to him and down to the small communities. In the small, small communities, you all know those selling drugs and those families and youths that need help.

“I would like to also appeal that due to increasing cases of women suffering from domestic violence fuelled by drug abuse by their husbands and vice versa, that we embrace drug test for intending couples the same way they do HIV/AIDS and genotype tests eventhough there are no laws making that compulsory. This is why we say both husband and wife should also show drug free certificate before being joined and if any of them tests positive, he or she can be taken for treatment before the wedding is done to avoid unpleasant incidents that we see in recent times.”

In his response, the Ona of Abaji said prior to Marwa’s assumption of office, drug menace in Nigeria has become a huge problem ravaging “many of our young men and women including couples who were supposed to be enjoying their marital lives. Your coming on board as the head of NDLEA has brought some succour.”

As a mark of honour and to further encourage the NDLEA boss, the monarch conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Santuraki of Abaji Kingdom.

He promised to promote the drug integrity test advocacy of the agency in addition to other ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

FCT monarch backs drug test for intending couples

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Crime

Lifeless new born baby found in a pit Monguno IDP camp, Borno

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Lifeless new born baby found in a pit Monguno IDP camp, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

The Borno State Police Command has launched an investigation into the suspected infanticide of a newborn whose lifeless body was discovered in a pit toilet at the Kuya Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Monguno.

Zagazola gathered reliably that the incident occurred on April 24, 2025, at about 0630hrs when the camp chairman, Faki Isa, reported the discovery. The newborn’s body was found in the toilet, and it is believed the baby may have been abandoned there by an unknown woman.

A team of investigators visited the scene, and the body was taken to the General Hospital Monguno, where it was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. The corpse was later released to the Kuya IDP Camp chairman for burial.

No arrests have been made so far, but the investigation is ongoing with efforts to trace the individual responsible for the crime.

Lifeless new born baby found in a pit Monguno IDP camp, Borno

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Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

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Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

By Zagazola Makama

The brutal assault of a young woman, Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman, and her sisters at the Katsina Hisbah office on April 15 has triggered widespread outrage and drawn fresh attention to the conduct of the state’s religious enforcement agency.

Eyewitnesses say Hauwa’u had gone to the Hisbah office to inquire about relatives allegedly detained by the operatives. What began as a simple inquiry reportedly ended in violence, as she was assaulted by about 20 Hisbah personnel, resulting in serious injuries, including a fracture. Her sisters, who were present and pleaded with the operatives to stop the attack, were also allegedly beaten and subjected to degrading treatment.

The shocking incident has once again raised concerns over the operational methods and legal limitations of Hisbah in Katsina State. While the agency is mandated to enforce moral standards under Sharia principles, critics argue that its operatives often act outside the bounds of the Nigerian constitution and without adherence to due process.

Legal experts say that although Hisbah is legally recognized under state law, it remains obligated to operate within the confines of the Nigerian legal framework. The growing number of complaints about unlawful raids, arbitrary arrests, and use of physical punishment without judicial oversight has led to calls for a comprehensive review of its operations.

Civic groups and legal observers in Katsina cite this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses allegedly carried out by Hisbah. They allege that the agency disproportionately targets young people, women, and the poor under vague pretexts such as “immoral gatherings” or “suspicious behavior.”

The Katsina State Government has yet to issue an official response to the incident. However, increasing public pressure is mounting for a full-scale investigation and disciplinary actions against any operatives found culpable. The absence of formal law enforcement training, lack of investigative procedures, and limited understanding of suspects’ rights are being pointed out as contributing factors to Hisbah’s alleged misconduct.

In a related development, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the assault, describing it as “lawless and callous.” The organization called on the Katsina State Government to immediately investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable.

“Suspected Hisbah operatives that played a role in the assault on Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman and her sisters must be identified and tried for gross violation of human rights,” Amnesty said in a statement.

The human rights group also alleged that the Hisbah in Katsina has routinely violated citizens’ rights through illegal raids and arbitrary punishments, particularly targeting women and youths. It warned that the unchecked actions of the agency were fostering a climate of fear and impunity.

“Hisbah cannot operate outside of the law. Failure of the Katsina State Government to subject Hisbah to legal accountability breeds and perpetuates impunity, creating a toxic climate of fear,” Amnesty added.

As the dust settles on this disturbing incident, the state faces renewed demands for regulatory clarity, institutional reform, and justice for the victims. For many observers, this case could be a turning point in how religious law enforcement is balanced with the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

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Crime

Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

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Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

By Zagazola Makama

A 30-year-old herder, Muazu Anaruwa, was killed and 40 cows rustled by suspected bandits in Kogon Dutse village, Old Muri district of Taraba State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred on April 22, came to light after Muazu’s father, Alhaji Audu Anaruwa, reported that his son had gone out to graze their cattle but failed to return home.

Police operative later discovered Muazu’s body in the grazing area, bearing what appeared to be a bullet wound, while all the livestock were missing.

Local sources described the attack as a case of banditry and cattle rustling. The body of the deceased was evacuated to the Primary Healthcare Centre in Andami, where a medical officer confirmed his death.

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Police say efforts are ongoing within the local security network, including hunters and vigilantes, to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.

Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

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