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Nasco let off the hook of EFCC after 7 years

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Nasco let off the hook of EFCC after 7 years

By: Our reporter

After Seven years of Legal fire works between the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), and Umar Nasko, the former Commissioner of Environment under Dr. Babangida Aliyu, the Minna High court has discharged him.

Nasko a two time governorship candidate of People Democratic party (PDP) in Niger State was accused of misappropriation of funds totally over a billion naira.

His discharge was sequel to the application filed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State Nasir Mua’azu to discontinue with the case as brought against Umar Nasko by the EFCC in 2017.

The development for his discharge came few hours after the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State Nasir Mua’azu took over the Prosecution of the case from the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) last week.

The former Governor of Niger State Dr. Babangida Aliyu and the State People Democratic party (PDP) Chairman Tanko Beji were equally discharged in December, by Justice Mikailu Abdullahi of High court number two.

They were both dragged to the court by the Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC)
Some times in 2017, for alleged criminal breach of trust Conspiracy, and conversion of N3 billion belonging to Niger state to their personal coffers.

Dr. Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu, along with his Commissioner for Environment Umar Nasko and the Niger State Chairman of the People Democratic party (PDP) in Niger State Barrister Tanko Beji, were in 2017 arraigned before the then chief Judge of Niger State Justice Mohammed Aliyu Mayaki for misappropriation of public funds.

Before his discharge, Umar Nasko was the only respondent remaining in the case and he was to enter his Defence on Monday the 15th of January 2024.

However the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State Nasir Mua’azu applied to take over the Prosecution of the case from the EFCC, on the ground that the case has suffered several adjustments within the past seven years without any visible headway from the EFCC.

His application was contained in the motion on notice filed before the court dated 8th January 2024 and filed 10th January 2024.

The Prosecuting Counsel to EFCC Farouk Abdullahi objected to the application and requested time to address the court on the application.

The counsel to the respondent Mike Osman (SAN), objected to the submission of the prosecuting counsel and the Attorney General citing the provision of Section 211 (1b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The EFCC counsel after a short interlude withdrew his objection and submitted that he had no option than doing so adding that whatever happens the course of ensuring Justice is done in accordance with the. criminal justice system.

A few hours after the court resumed, the Attorney General applied to discontinued the case which was granted by the court.

Nasco let off the hook of efcc after 7 years

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Crime

Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises

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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

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Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System

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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

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Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal

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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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