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Former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone under house arrest over coup

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Former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone under house arrest over coup

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Sierra Leone’s Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah has said that former President Ernest Koroma has been arrested over suspicion of his involvement in the recent coup in the country.

He said that Koroma has been placed under house arrest pending the conclusion of investigation against him in the failed coup which rocked the capital Freetown recently.

While updating the public on the amount of weapons recovered and those outstanding Bah said that other suspects have since been kept in custodial centres pending the conclusion of the investigation being carried out by the police.

In a news conference held in Freetown recently, the minister revealed that 47 AK47s were stolen by the coup plotting felons, while 29 of the suspected said weapons have been recovered with 18 outstanding so far.

He also said that 7 RPGs were equally stolen from the military armory, while 5 have been recovered with 2 yet to be seen.

The Minister told newsmen in Freetown that, 100 empty magazines were equally stolen from the armory and were still out there in the hands of some of the rebels still fleeing prosecution.

Speaking on the coup suspects arrested so far, the Inspector General of Police William Sellu said 80 suspects are in custody relating to the coup.

“50 are serving Military officers, 5 dismissed Military officers, 7 serving police officers, 1 senior retired police officer, 15 civilians, 1 correction service officer and Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.”

IGP Sellu added that, out of the 80 they have collected 68 statements and all have been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for further action against them.

He however noted that 12 suspects are still being processed and are undergoing questioning and further interrogations to establish their culpability.

The Inspector General of Police disclosed that, an agreement was arrived at with the former President’s lawyers and party executives that, they could not put President koroma in the cell with others but he will be restricted in his house with a limited number of visitors from family and lawyers.

” Also, his movement in and out of his house must be sanctioned by the Inspector General of Police. The interrogation of the former President continues until a conclusion is reached.” said Sellu.

The Minister of Information and Civic Education and the Inspector General of Police thanked citizens for exhibiting their civic duties so far.

Both of them called on citizens to be vigilant to help police capture the remaining fugitives.

Former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone under house arrest over coup

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.

The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.

The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.

“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.

“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.

“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.

According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.

Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.

The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.

The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.

According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.

The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.

Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.

The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.

Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.

The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.

Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.

Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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