National News
We have power to investigate, arrest and prosecute, Police tells IIP-SARS Panel

We have power to investigate, arrest and prosecute, Police tells IIP-SARS Panel
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday told the IIP-SARS that they have the power to investigate, arrest and prosecute any person allegedly involved in criminal breach of trust and cheating saying that they are empowered to do so by the Police Act.
The police was responding to Engr. Nicholas Ogbedo Azuka’s petition over alleged abuse of office and arbitrary arrest in a case of criminal breach of trust reported against him by Mr. Uzoma Nwachukwu and Mrs. Victoria Nwachukwu (couple), who had informed the panel that Engr. Azuka defrauded them while trying to purchase a property (house) from him.
Counsel to the police, Fidelis Ogwobe reiterated the powers of the police to effect arrest while investigating criminal breach of trust before the 11-Member Panel Chaired by Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) in respect of the petition.
According to Ogwobe, from the evidence before the panel, there is a valid criminal allegation against the complainant (Engr. Azuka) for which the police arrested and detained him. He cited Section 66 of the Police Act which he noted empowers the police to deal with such matters.
In furtherance of his reply on points of law to the written address of the petitioner, the police counsel recalled that the evidence of Mr. King Uzoma Nwachukwu and Mrs. Victoria Nwachukwu, who are 3rd and 4th respondents respectively in the matter shows that there is a valid criminal allegation against the complainant.
Responding to the complainant’s position that the police lack the power to recover money from him during their investigation of the aforementioned criminal breach of trust, Ogwobe told the panel that the police are empowered by the law to investigate cases of breach of trust which culminated into criminal acts.
On the contention by the complainant that the money recovered by the police during investigation should be returned to him, he argued that the Supreme Court has already taken a decision on similar matters, citing the case of Ajiboye Versus Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) where the Supreme Court held that courts (and by extension panel) should not allow any person to take a benefit of his crime.
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Rather, the police lawyer urged the panel to order the complainant to return the remaining alleged proceeds of crime still with him which he said amounts to N2.3m.
On their oral submission before the panel, Mr. and Mrs. Nwachukwu who did not have a lawyer to present their case before the panel said that they filed and served their written address in respect of the matter on all the parties.
Mr. Nwachukwu, though not a lawyer, addressed the panel on behalf of himself and his wife saying that they want the petitioner, Engr. Azuka to balance them the sum of N2.3m, having willingly refunded them the sum N1.4m earlier.
Besides, he prayed the panel to order in their favour, a compensation of N5m against the complainant, saying “we are suffering as a result of the debt and we do not have money to hire a lawyer to defend us”.
Earlier, Counsel to the complainant, Henry Ebu asked the panel to determine whether Inspector Henry of defunct SARS FCT played the proper role expected of a police officer in the matter and to also establish whether Mr. and Mrs. Nwachukwu are entitled to the reliefs they are seeking before the panel.
In addition, he pleaded with the panel to ensure that officers deserving punishment in the case did not hide under the cover of the Institution of the Police, but are rather fished out for appropriate punishment including dismissal where necessary. He said such measures will serve as a deterrent to other police officers in the field of operation.
The case was adjourned for a report of the panel.
We have power to investigate, arrest and prosecute, Police tells IIP-SARS Panel
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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