News
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
By: Zagazola Makama
A Katsina-based journalist, Jamil Mabai, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of officials of Katsina State Hisbah Board for requesting a follow up interview on an incident that led to the death of a resident.
He said he was at the Hisbah office to get a clearer picture of what transpired at a wedding ceremony last week in which shots were fired by Hisbah operatives who stormed the event to disrupt it because a disc jockey (DJ) was performing. According to him, Hisbah officials fired AK47 guns which sadly took the life of a guest, Mallam Gambo and injured many others.
The Katsina State Hisbah Board had for no specific reasons banned the activities of DJs in the state.
At the office to learn more about the unfortunate incident involving Hisbah operatives, Mabai was tricked into a corner where he was arrested and his phones confiscated on the orders of the Commandant.
“Following the ungly incident at the wedding ceremony, I contacted the Katsina Hisbah Public Relations Officer (PRO) to request a follow-up interview regarding Mallam Gambo’s death.
“Upon my arrival at the Hisbah office, I couldn’t find the PRO. Unknown to me, it was a setup. Soon enough some Hisbah officers approached me, claiming they were instructed to detain me.
“Despite explaining that I was a journalist there for an interview, they insisted that they had orders to detain me and confiscated my phone. I thereafter herded into a cell.
“I was later brought before the Commandant in his office where he threatened to deal with me for fighting with religion and God. He said there is nothing I or anybody can do to stop him and his officers from carrying on with their activities. He warned me to steer clear otherwise I will have myself to blame.
“Even when I informed them that detaining a journalist in their premises without any reason or opportunity to write a statement is a clear violation of press freedom, the arrogant officials were not bothered.
“I was released to be released after more than an hour of tongue-lashing and threats”.
The entire ordeal suffered by the journalist Mabai in the hands of Katsina State Hisbah once again raises serious questions about the activities of the so-called moral police in the North and also stirs concerns about what the proposed state police could be used for in the states if eventually created.
A civil servant in the state who pleaded not to be named for fear of harassment said it is rather worrisome that the Katsina State Government is watching while Hisbah operatives are running riot in the state with their provocative actions.
“The Katsina State Hisbah operatives who are mostly illiterates who barely understand their mandates are known and reviled for provocative actions against residents of the state all in the name of instilling morals.
“They go about the streets harassing innocent citizens; they flog people, forcefully cut people’s hair, destroy and cart away people’s wares and so on”.
Even more worrisome is that these barely literate, poorly-trained individuals wield assault rifles in the caliber of AK 47 with which they are terrorizing residents.
A number of people whose opinions were also sought on the activities of the organization are of the view that the State Government must rein in on them before they cause serious crisis in the state.
They wondered why a resident should lose his precious life simply because a bunch of moral thugs are against a DJ performing at a wedding. What is the offense in having a DJ perform in someone’s wedding? What Nigerian law did that contravene? they ask.
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A vigilante member was shot dead on Wednesday during an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters at a vigilante camp in Kanamma town, Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 1839 hours when the assailants stormed the camp, opening fire on the victims.
The deceased, identified as Dauda Bamai, 35, of Kanamma, was pronounced dead by a medical doctor in Kanamma.
Security forces have intensified monitoring and patrols in the area to track down the attackers.
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
By: Zagazola Makama
The promotion of Brig.-Gen. SM Uba, Director Defence Information, to the prestigious rank of Major General should have been a moment of pride and celebration for his family, colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Instead, it coincided with one of the most disturbing episodes of misinformation targeting a serving senior military office an episode that point to the devastating human cost of fake news.
In recent days, malicious actors repeatedly circulated photographs of the officer online, falsely claiming he was dead. While the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the rumour, the damage was already done.
Unknown to many, the fake news triggered panic, trauma and emotional distress within his family. When the false reports first emerged, his wife and children broke down in tears, unable to process the sudden shock. Despite repeated attempts to reassure them that he was alive and well, they remained inconsolable until they travelled to Abuja to see him physically.
Even more heartbreaking is the fact that as at Wednesday, the same misleading posts were still circulating at the exact moment he was promoted to his new rank as a Major General.
This contrast the spread of a death hoax against the backdrop of a well-deserved promotion captures the cruel reality of misinformation in the digital age. It is not just a threat to public order. It destroys families, inflicts psychological harm, undermines institutions and disrespects the honour of those who dedicate their lives to national service.
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
… Condemns Country’s Military Coup
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, the Federal Government has announced.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa made the announcement on Thursday. He said: “He (President Goodluck Jonathan) left with a special flight with members of his delegation including, former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ibn Chambas.”
Jonathan, who is the head of ECOWAS Election Monitoring Mission to Guinea Bissau, was tramped along with members of his team in the country when military suspended democratic process and took over government.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian government in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.
“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
It further added that: “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
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