News
Nasco let off the hook of EFCC after 7 years
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
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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