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Cyber-criminals, illegal miners invade Kaduna
Kaduna state is now battling with huge influx of criminals who specialize in cyber fraud as well as the menace of illegal miners.
The Acting Zonal Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Bawa Usman Kaltungo on Friday visited the Executive Officials of Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) along with his management team on courtesy call where he xpressed gratitude to the NUJ members for the support and cooperation given to the Commission over the years, and pleaded that the support should be sustained for the good of the society.
However, the EFCC Zonal boss disclosed that Visa racketeering, cybercrimes and illegal mining are becoming alarming in Kaduna State, and appealed to journalists to enlighten the general public on the danger of engaging in such crimes and other crimes.
The EFCC Director called on journalists in the State to always feel free to balance their stories from the Commission to avoid damaging the image and reputation of the Commission whenever the need raises.
“It is part of our routine that whenever a new Zonal Director is appointed we come on courtesy visit to our strategic partners of which NUJ is one of them. It is a thank you visit and to ask for more support like Oliver Twist.
The collaboration that is existing between NUJ and EFCC cannot be separated. So we are here to say thank you for all that you have been doing and to encourage you that if there is any report that will portray the Commission in bad image, you can reach out to us so that you can have a balance report. So this is the essence of our coming to you.
“You are going to look out for a renewed vigour in the fight against corruption, and this issue of cybercrimes that our youths are indulged in, is becoming alarming. So the Commission is devising new strategy to nib it in the bud.
“So we don’t want it to spread because if youths who are the leaders of tomorrow and today they are engaged in corruption, so what does it mean tomorrow, does it mean that corrupt people will be in position of leadership tomorrow. It means that there will be no development and progress. It is now incumbent on us to nib it in the bud.
“Another trend that we discovered in Kaduna that is alarming is the issue of Visa racketeering, more especially during lesser Hajj and during pilgrimage, what we call Baban Sallah. You find out that alot of people have been duped of their hard earned money in the name of Visa by traveling agents, in the name of international passport and stuff like that. So many people have parted with their money without getting value for it. It is alarming in Kaduna State. And to worsening it, even married women are involved in it.
“So we want to use this opportunity to appeal to couples to advise their fellow couple to desist from such act because it is not our wish to go and arrest married woman but when she got herself involved, definitely the law does not say that married men or women have immunity, we will go after them. So we want to call on the people of Kaduna State and Niger State to make sure that people are not involved in anything that will attract us to them.
“Another area that is so disturbing which has terrorism related to, and banditry related to, is the issue of illegal mining which is becoming alarming. Everybody want to go into illegal mining. You cannot go into mining without appropriate documents from appropriate authorities. Mining is exclusive preserve of the federal government. So for any company and for any individual to go into mining they must obtain licence from the federal ministry of mining. You cannot go on your own and start doing mining.
“We want to call on the people that are into illegal mining to make sure that they obtain proper license so that they will not incur the wrath of the Commission because by the time we arrest you doing illegal mining, certainly we will take you to Court. And we have been doing that. We want to thank NUJ for the support. And also call on NUJ to continue to corporate with us and support to enlighten the public about what we do and let them understand what we do at the Commission” Kaltungo said.
In his welcome address, Alabelewe said, I want to assure you on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State council that as media practitioners we don’t have option than to support what EFCC is doing because by our training we are socially responsible to the society and as well hold public officers accountable to members of the society. We have enjoyed good working relationship with Kaduna Directorate of the EFCC over the years through the media department.”
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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