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  • Alleged fake agency: Judge orders Adeyemi’s arrest over his absence in court

    Alleged fake agency: Judge orders Adeyemi’s arrest over his absence in court

     

    Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, the Director-General (DG) of alleged non-existing Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

    Justice Umar gave the order following an oral application by counsel for the police, Wisdom Madaki, after Adeyemi refused to appear in court for his arraignment.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeyemi and his co-defendants were scheduled to take their plea today in the eight-count charge preferred against them by the police.

    The police, in the fresh court document marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, charged the defendants on allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation, among others.

    While the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, “Femi Surname Unknown” and “Anu Surname Unknown” were named as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

    The charge was filed on Nov. 27, 2025, by Wisdom Madaki, a police prosecutor.

    When the case was called, none of the defendants was in court.

    Madaki then applied to the court to issue a bench warrant for Adeyemi’s arrest following his absence.

    Responding to the application, Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, told the court that his client feared for his life and had written a letter to President Bola Tinubu.

    He added that Adeyemi intended to stay alive to face his trial.

    In response, the judge said the court would “help him be alive.”

    After taking arguments from the lawyers, Justice Umar ordered a bench warrant against Adeyemi.

    The judge, who directed all security agencies to arrest Adeyemi anywhere he is sighted, adjourned the case until Sept. 30 for arraignment.

    NAN reports that on June 16 when the case came up for the suspects to take their plea, Adeyemi was said to be indisposed and Justice Umar adjourned the matter.

    According to the court documents, witnesses listed in the case are the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; Paul Emmanuel, Jeremiah Imoukhede and Ituah Sylvester.

    Other witnesses are civil servants working in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGoF), Akimbo Shola and DSP Adamu Balongu ++were in the list.

    Also listed as witnesses are Ojo Victor, Omeh Amarachukwu, and Wakili Saidu, all of whom were allegedly posted to work with Adeyemi at the non-existent agency.

    Others are Mrs Joy Ngwoke, the owner of Kachi Hotel in Abuja, and Ven Okoriko, the pastor of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama.

    The documentary evidence expected to be tendered by the police include the police investigation report, Gbajabiamila’s petition dated Oct. 17, 2025; and Adeyemi’s fake presidential appointment letter dated March 8, 2024.

    These also include the request for a note verbally by Adeyemi sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the approvals he got to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), request for approval of self accounting Adeyemi sent to the AGoF and the conveyance of approval for take-off of the PFIPC.

    Other documents listed by the prosecution are a letter of request for collaboration with the ministry in the area of land acquisition and offices across the 36 states of the federation; statements of all the witnesses and that of the defendants, and pictures.

    The police, in the court document, said “the prosecution shall at the trial call any other related witness or witnesses to prove its case.”

    Adeyemi was alleged to have operated the fictitious agency from the 2nd Floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, Phase III, before his arrest.

    President Bola Tinubu had, on July 7, directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of the fictitious agency.

    The president gave the ICPC 30 days to complete the investigation.

  • Media executive advocates ethical charter on religious reporting

    Media executive advocates ethical charter on religious reporting

     

    (Resident Representative of KAS, Moritz Sprenker,)

     

    Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) on Monday proposed a new professional charter to aid religion reporting in the country.

    Olorunyomi said the charter would curb sensationalism and bias, enable journalists to treat religion with higher professional ethics, accuracy and sensitivity to protect democratic stability.

    He spoke in Abuja at a breakfast dialogue with media on “Religion and Freedom of Religion in Media Reports in Nigeria” organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a German NGO.

    He said the country’s democracy needs a new professional ethics for reporting religion, which he called, “Faith Journalism.”

    (Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) pp

    According to him, the proposed “Faith Journalism” would compel journalists to adopt higher ethical standards in religion reporting to strengthen democracy and promote national cohesion

    “Let me propose that the Nigerian journalism community deserves a short charter, not a legal code, but an ethical covenant for journalists, editors, religious leaders, and platforms alike.

    “Its premise is simple: religious freedom and press freedom are not competing liberties; they are mutually reinforcing, and when one is weakened, the other inevitably suffers,” he said.

    Olorunyomi, who is also the publisher of “Premium Times”, urged journalists to always place truth above speed and verify before publishing.

    “The pressure to be first is relentless in the digital era, but credibility is earned by accuracy, not speed.

    “In religious reporting, the cost of error is measured in more than reputation; it can be measured in lives.

    “Media practitioners must, therefore, distinguish faith from those who speak falsely in its name.

    “They must not let the misconduct of a Cleric indict an entire community, or an extremist minority define a whole tradition.

    “Every report should begin from the premise that every Nigerian carries equal worth before the law, whether they worship in a cathedral, a Mosque, a shrine, or nowhere at all,” he said.

    Olorunyomi asserted: If our journalism is truthful, our democracy will be wiser and If our religion is compassionate, our citizenship will be stronger”.

    Also speaking at the event, Resident Representative of KAS, Moritz Sprenker, said religion in Nigeria is not an abstract concept.

    He noted that, beyond shaping identity, community, public debate, and politics, the freedom of religion is protected by the constitution.

    Sprenker noted that in a diverse society like Nigeria, journalism can either build understanding or deepen mistrust.

    “A headline can clarify or inflame. A report can shed light on complexity or reduce it to a harmful binary,” he said.

    He, therefore admonished journalists to understand that their role is central to promoting peace and tolerance.

  • FTAN Seeks Re-Enactment of NIHOTOUR, NTDA Acts


    …Unveils Agenda to Transform Tourism Sector

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called for the re-enactment of the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022 and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act, arguing that ambiguities in the laws have created confusion, industry-wide disagreements and a wave of litigation that is hindering the growth of the tourism sector.

    The position was contained in a communiqué issued at a press conference marking one year of the current FTAN administration led by its President, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, under the theme, “Changing the Narrative: Tackling the Structural Challenges of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).”

    According to the federation, the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act has generated unprecedented challenges within the industry, resulting in disputes among stakeholders and court cases that have further fragmented the sector.

    “The position of FTAN is that both the Acts of NTDA and NIHOTOUR should be returned to the National Assembly for re-enactment to clearly define the roles of the agencies and stakeholders,” the communiqué stated.

    FTAN urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, to fast-track the review process in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Reflecting on its first year in office, the federation said it has focused on addressing the structural challenges that have constrained tourism development while laying the foundation for long-term growth through its Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), a strategic blueprint adopted to guide the industry.

    The body identified weak institutional coordination, fragmented stakeholder engagement, policy inconsistencies and inadequate public-private sector collaboration as some of the major challenges facing the tourism industry.

    To address these concerns, FTAN said it has strengthened its secretariat, expanded engagement with member associations, and initiated plans to reinforce state chapters through the creation of zonal structures.

    The federation also highlighted its active participation in policy discussions surrounding the implementation of tourism-related legislation and its efforts to ensure that the private sector plays a more prominent role in tourism governance.

    On government-private sector relations, FTAN said it has rebuilt productive working relationships with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, while deepening collaboration with the NTDA and other government institutions.

    The federation further reported progress in regional integration and international cooperation, noting that it had restored institutional ties with the ECOWAS Commission and strengthened collaboration with the Conference of Tourism Ministers and Stakeholders of West Africa (COPITOUR) and other development partners.

    As part of efforts to position Nigeria as a regional tourism hub, FTAN disclosed that it secured ECOWAS support for the hosting of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting in Abuja during the 2026 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE).

    According to the federation, the move will provide a platform for tourism dialogue, investment promotion and cross-border partnerships across West Africa.

    FTAN also announced the repositioning of NTIFE into a broader regional investment platform designed to attract investors, development partners, state governments and tourism businesses seeking opportunities across the tourism value chain.

    The federation noted that it had significantly increased media engagement and advocacy efforts over the past year, thereby improving stakeholder confidence and strengthening its visibility as the umbrella body of Nigeria’s organised private tourism sector.

    Reaffirming its commitment to industry growth, FTAN resolved to continue implementing the Tourism Transformation Mandate, intensify advocacy for regulatory reforms, promote investment-friendly tourism policies and strengthen collaboration with regional and international institutions.

    The federation expressed confidence that the foundations laid during its first year in office would enable the organised private sector to play a more influential role in shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria and advancing the country’s ambition of becoming a leading tourism destination in West Africa.

  • NANTA pushes intra‑African tourism, ease movement

    …as body holds retreat in Ghana

    A delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) will be in Ghana for a four-day retreat aimed at strengthening tourism ties and pressing for easier movement of people within Africa.
    Under the theme “Africa for Africa: Tourism, Unity and Shared Growth”, the visit , organised in partnership with Ghana’s Safari Valley Resort and supported by Ibom Air , seeks to address rising Afrophobia, trade barriers and other obstacles to cultural tourism on the continent.
    NANTA President Yinka Folami said the trip reflects long-standing historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and Ghana and is intended to recalibrate cooperation between travel stakeholders in both countries.
    “From the intellectual foundations laid by our leaders during the independence movements to decades of cultural tourism exchange, trade and commerce, Nigeria and Ghana have repeatedly chosen partnership and collaboration over division,” he said.
    The retreat will also provide a forum for NANTA’s executive council to consider the association’s future direction following its recent Jubilee celebration in Ibadan.
    A key priority is advocacy for policies that make intra‑African travel simpler and promote stronger tourism partnerships so that Africans increasingly view neighbouring countries as destinations of opportunity rather than foreign territory, Folami added.
    Delegates at the event include travel trade leaders, tourism stakeholders and policy advocates from Nigeria and Ghana, who are expected to develop proposals to ease cross‑border movement and boost cultural exchange.
    In a lighter moment during the visit, Folami joked that the delegation’s cooking talent would put Safari Valley on notice for a friendly Jollof Rice competition, underscoring the event’s blend of business and cultural camaraderie.
    The retreat is part of a broader push by travel industry groups to encourage intra‑continental tourism as a driver of economic integration and people‑to‑people ties across Africa.

  • Customs, NMDPRA auctions 20,500 litres of seized petrol worth N38m in Lagos

    Photo caption:
    From second left, Coordinator representing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mrs Grace Dauda, National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller, Abubakar Aliyu, and other seniors officers of customs when the customs coordinator addressing midea during the public auction of 20,500 litres of seized PMS at Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos on July 13, 2026
    Seizures

     

    Customs, NMDPRA auctions 20,500 litres of seized petrol worth N38m in Lagos
    Lagos, July 13, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 20,500 litres of petrol worth N38 million intercepted by Operation Whirlwind in the Lagos – Ogun axis.
    The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller, Abubakar Aliyu, said this while addressing stakeholders on Monday at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
    Aliyu said that the exercise was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
    Picture of the 20,500 kegs of smuggled petrol auctioned by Customs in Lagos on Monday
    He said the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the national economy, protecting critical assets, and dismantling all networks involved in smuggling and economic sabotage across the country.
    According to him, surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement have been intensified along major routes notorious for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
    The Deputy Comptroller, Coordinator of operations Whirlwind showcasing the five vehicles as means of conveyance to media and stakeholders in Lagos on Monday
    Aliyu said that operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion of petroleum products, protect Nigeria’s energy security, and ensure that products meant for domestic use reach legitimate consumers.
    “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives dismantled a coordinated smuggling syndicate and intercepted 820 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, totaling 20,500 litres of petrol across flashpoints.
    “These include Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry,” he said.
    He said that in addition to the seized products, five vehicles used for conveying the PMS were also impounded.
    He put the Duty Paid Value of the petroleum products and the vehicles at N38 million.
    The coordinator said that the seized products were earmarked for illegal export in violation of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products within Nigeria’s borders.
    He said petroleum smuggling posed a grave threat to economic stability and national security because it deprives government of revenue, distorts supply chains, creates artificial scarcity and fuels criminal enterprises.
    “Keeping with legal provisions, the seized products are being disposed through a public auction.
    “This is to ensure they are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than returned to illegal channels,” he said.
    He said that the auction was conducted with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society organisations and the media.
    According to, him, this is to guarantee transparency, accountability and integrity in the disposal process.
    The coordinator acknowledged the strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the technical oversight of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for supporting the operation.
    He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire NCS management for providing policy direction, resources and leadership that have strengthened Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones nationwide.
    He warned individuals and syndicates involved in petroleum smuggling that Operation Whirlwind remained intelligence-driven and uncompromising, and will continue to identify, intercept, investigate and dismantle all smuggling networks.
    Aliyu urged members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to provide timely information to security agencies, stressing that the fight against smuggling is a shared responsibility for national economic prosperity.
    The representative of NMDPRA, Mrs Grace Dauda, acknowledged the synergy with NCS, saying the regulation of fuel distribution falls within the jurisdiction of the authority.
    “We understand the importance of petroleum products to our economy. When people take petroleum products out of the country without authorisation, operation whirlwind will intercept them,” Dauda said.
    She appealed to members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to provide timely information to security agencies to enable them track and intercept smugglers.
    She also urged petroleum distributors to follow due process to avoid losses.

     

  • Police detain suspect for unlawful possession of firearm, recover gun in Enugu

    Police detain suspect for unlawful possession of firearm, recover gun in Enugu

    Police detain suspect for unlawful possession of firearm, recover gun in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu State has detained a suspect for possession of firearm and recovered a locally made gun along the Enugu State border axis of Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu on Monday.

    Ndukwe said that the suspect, Ogbonna Nnaji, 25, was arrested on July 3 during a stop-and-search operation at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area (LGA), along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway near the Enugu State–Anambra boundary.

    He was found in unlawful possession of a concealed locally made double-barrel pistol during a search.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect boarded a Toyota Sienna minivan at Solution Park in Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA of Anambra, en route to Enugu, before he was intercepted and arrested by the vigilant operatives.

    “Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the weapon, establish his possible involvement in other criminal activities, after which he will be arraigned in court.

    “The arrest comes barely four days after the same operatives recorded a similar success on June 28, when they intercepted another suspect travelling in a tricycle and recovered a firearm during a border security operation.

    “The successive recoveries underscore the command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and preventing the movement of illegal firearms into Enugu State,” he said.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman  Giwa, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

    Giwa reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain robust border security operations.

    The commissioner urged residents to remain security conscious and continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.

    The command had sustained its proactive border security operations under the Nigeria Police Force’s Handshake Patrol initiative.

  • Rainy Season: MainPower DisCo Urges Enugu Residents To Prioritise Electrical Safety 

    Rainy Season: MainPower DisCo Urges Enugu Residents To Prioritise Electrical Safety 

    Rainy Season: MainPower DisCo Urges Enugu Residents To Prioritise Electrical Safety

    The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has urged Enugu State residents to prioritise electrical safety during the rainy season to prevent accidents, electrocution, and damage to property.

    The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, gave the advice on Monday in Enugu while speaking to newsmen following recent heavy rainfall, windstorms, and flooding experienced across parts of the state.

    “Customers and residents should remain indoors or seek safe shelter during rainfall and avoid taking refuge under trees or standing close to electricity poles, power lines, or other electrical installations, as these may pose serious safety risks,” he said.

    He explained that heavy rains and strong winds could cause trees and electricity poles to collapse, resulting in snapped conductors and exposed electrical installations that could lead to electrocution or other life-threatening incidents.

    Ezeh also advised residents to avoid touching electrical appliances, switches, sockets, or other electrical fittings with wet hands.

    He stressed the importance of ensuring that electrical installations in homes and business premises are properly insulated and maintained to prevent electrical faults.

    Ezeh further appealed to parents and guardians to keep children away from electrical installations and other potential hazards.

    “MainPower encourages them to unplug sensitive electrical appliances during severe thunderstorms to minimise the risk of lightning-induced power surges that could damage equipment,” he said.

    The DisCo spokesman urged customers to promptly report emergencies such as fallen electricity poles, snapped conductors, damaged transformers, or any other unsafe electrical installations.

    “Customers and residents should call the company’s emergency line on 08150824301 or contacting its Quick Response Team (QRT) through the Customer Call Centre on 02084700100 or 07074609958 for immediate response,” he said.

    Ezeh reassured customers that MainPower remains committed to their safety and wellbeing and would continue to take proactive measures to ensure the safe and reliable distribution of electricity throughout the rainy season.

    He also appealed to customers to cooperate with the company by observing all electrical safety precautions and promptly.

  • PPRO Ndukwe cautions against dangers of fake news, urges responsible communication

    PPRO Ndukwe cautions against dangers of fake news, urges responsible communication

    PPRO Ndukwe cautions against dangers of fake news, urges responsible communication

     

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, has cautioned against dangers of fake news, urging Nigerians to imbibe the culture of responsible communication.

    Ndukwe said this in a lecture he delivered on the theme: “Policing and Fake News in Times of Insecurity.” at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Enugu State Chapter Monthly Public Relations (PR) Clinic held in Enugu on Monday.

    He described fake news as unverified information presented or circulated as though it were factual.

    Ndukwe explained that fake news exists in three major forms: misinformation, which involves the unintentional sharing of false information; disinformation, which is deliberately created and spread to deceive; and malinformation, where genuine information is intentionally used out of context or maliciously to cause harm.

     

    He noted that while technology had accelerated the spread of fake news, human psychology remains one of its greatest enablers.

    According to him, several cognitive biases influence people’s tendency to believe and share false information.

    He said, “Among these are confirmation bias, where people readily accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs while rejecting contrary evidence.

    “Selective exposure, which leads individuals to consume only information that reinforces their opinions; and belief perseverance, the tendency to continue believing false information even after it has been disproved.”

     

    He highlighted the repetition effect, also known as the illusory truth effect, explaining that repeated exposure to false information often makes it appear credible.

    He warned, “𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲,” emphasising the devastating consequences of irresponsible information sharing.

    Other psychological factors he discussed included in-group bias, perceived authority bias, availability heuristic, emotional reasoning, negativity bias, and clout-chasing bias, all of which contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation.

    Addressing the role of technology on the theme, Ndukwe observed that fake news is increasingly propagated through content manipulation tools and other digital technologies.

     

    “This make it more difficult for the public to distinguish authentic information from fabricated content,” he said.

    He stressed that law enforcement agencies, public relations practitioners, journalists, and citizens all have a shared responsibility to promote factual, timely, and responsible communication.

    The PPRO urged the public to verify information before sharing it, rely on credible sources, and avoid allowing emotions or personal biases to influence their judgment.

    Earlier, the Acting Chairman of NIPR Enugu State Chapter, Dr Onyedikachi Onovo, called on public relations practitioners, media professionals, government communicators, and members of the public to take deliberate steps to combat the spread of fake news.

     

    Onovo said that fake news and outright misinformation remained a major threat to national security, public trust, and social stability.

    The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants discussed practical approaches to tackling misinformation and strengthening collaboration among communication professionals, security agencies, the media, and government institutions.

    The event was attended by participants from all works of life, including the Acting Secretary of NIPR, Mr Nduka Odo; Treasurer, Mrs Ihuoma Phillips-Daniel; Provost, Chief Amaechi Onah; Financial Secretary, Uju Onyemelukwe; Public Relations Officer, Mr Samuel Nneji; and many other members of the Institute.

    The Public Relations (PR) Clinic forms part of the NIPR Enugu State Chapter’s continuous professional development programme, designed to equip practitioners with current knowledge and practical communication strategies for addressing emerging issues affecting the profession and society.

  • Enugu Police launch manhunt for driver, conductor over attempted murder of officers, rifle snatching

    Enugu Police launch manhunt for driver, conductor over attempted murder of officers, rifle snatching

    Enugu Police launch manhunt for driver, conductor over attempted murder of officers, rifle snatching

     

    The Police Command in Enugu State has launched a manhunt for a bus driver and his conductor over serious assault and attempted murder of police officers as well as snatching of a police rifle.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Sunday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe noted that the command had commenced manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus for the offences of conspiracy, serious assault, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and snatching of police rifle.

    According to him, the incident occurred at about 1:20p.m. on July 9, at All Saints Roundabout, along Abakaliki Road, Enugu.

    “Acting on information received from the Command’s Control Room that the driver and conductor had assaulted a traffic police officer on duty, operatives of the Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted and flagged down the vehicle.

    “However, instead of submitting to arrest, the driver deceptively slowed down before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to escape.

    “In the process, he knocked down one of the operatives and dragged away the officer’s AK-47 rifle, which had become entangled with the vehicle.

    “During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects threw the rifle out of the vehicle at IMT Bus Stop along the same road before speeding off. The rifle was immediately recovered intact, with its ammunition,” he said.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had ordered a comprehensive investigation and intensified efforts to arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects.

    The commissioner warned the driver and conductor to voluntarily present themselves to the police for proper investigation, “as every lawful measure is being deployed to apprehend them.”

    The state police boss urged the public to disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident and cautioned against assaulting or obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.

    He stressed that such acts are serious criminal offences that would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.