News
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND
By: Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd)
Today, Friday, the 12th of January 2024, is a day that I will never forget. It is a day filled with sorrow and grief as I receive the devastating news of the passing of my dear friend and brother, Mallam Isah Gusau. Isah, who was the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the Borno State Governor on Media and Strategy, tragically lost his life in a hospital on Thursday night. This news has left me with a heavy heart as I struggle to come to terms with the fact that Isah is no longer with us.
Isah was an exceptional individual, loved by many for his humility, friendliness, hard work, and dedication to his job. He had an infectious energy and was always fully committed to his work, whether he was in Nigeria or abroad. He had a deep passion for his role and was incredibly skilled at what he did. It is difficult to comprehend that such a vibrant and lively person is no longer with us.
I first met him back in 2014 when I was posted to 7 Division, Nigerian Army, during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. Instantly, I was drawn to his humble nature, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his job. Since then, our bond has grown stronger, with Isah looking up to me as an elder brother whom he defers to. Our relationship was mutual; we would often consult each other on media and public relations matters, and our friendship continued to flourish.
Our last physical meeting took place on November 26, 2022, at an event in Abuja. Isah was being honoured with an award, and he took the time to personally greet me and show me his accolade. Little did we know that this would be our final encounter in this world.
Isah was well-educated and deeply passionate about peace in Borno, Nigeria, and the world. He was a selfless individual, always striving for the best in everyone. His dedication and loyalty were evident in his work, and it came as no surprise when he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity by the Borno State Governor.
To Isah’s family, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Borno State Governor, his colleagues, and friends, I extend my heartfelt condolences. We have all lost a great friend, brother, and dedicated professional colleague. Isah’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.
May Allah forgive Isah’s shortcomings and grant him a place in aljannah firdausi. May He bless all that Isah has left behind and grant strength and courage to his family, friends, and colleagues in this sorrowful and difficult time.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND
Crime
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises

Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
By: Zagazola Makama
Another group of repentant bandits has released three women in Katsina State as part of the ongoing peace process in the state.

The women, whose names were not immediately disclosed, were said to have been held by a notorious bandit leader, Kacalla Zailani, who controls the Maigora axis.

Community sources told Zagazola on Wednesday that Zailani freed the captives voluntarily without collecting ransom.

“He handed over the women to the mediators as a gesture of goodwill to consolidate the peace deal,” one of the sources said.
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
News
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System

Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
… Fagbemi: Zulum, people-centred and reform-driven Gov.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, National Assembly and other partners to deepen reforms in the state justice system especially at the grassroots level.
Governor Zulum made the commitment on Wednesday at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
“I reaffirm Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in our justice system, especially at the grassroots level,” Zulum stated.

The governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make justice delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.
“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas. If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access,” he remarked.
“This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted
insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract”.
The governor emphasized the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism, corruption, resolving land disputes and securing investments for a better society.
“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see
coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies”.
The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Co-ordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.
The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, Chairman/CEO NDLEA, Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Heads of Agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice. Others include Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, the State Attorney-General, members of the state executive council, and other top government officials.
… Zulum: people-centred, and reform-driven Gov -Fegbemi
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.
“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in
partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation. With tools such as the Case
Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency
in judicial service delivery,” Fagbemi stated.
“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results. You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds,” he added.
“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied
innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all”.
The Attorney General called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy,
cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.

“By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, we can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
News
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal

Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
By: Zagazola Makama
A total of 28 persons abducted by suspected bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released without ransom following a peace arrangement with bandit kingpin.
The bandits, led by their commander identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, handed over the captives to officials of the council on Wednesday.
Zagazola reports that those released were largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki and Yar Dabaru communities.
Local authorities confirmed that the release was the outcome of a reconciliation effort initiated in the area to restore peace and reduce violent attacks.
Community leaders in Faskari described the development as a positive signal and urged both sides to sustain the peace process. They also urged the bandit to force other bandits still attacking in the area to stop.
A council official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,”he said.
Meanwhile, residents expressed relief at the safe return of the abductees, with some calling for stronger security guarantees to consolidate the gesture.
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
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