12 burnt to death – No fewer than 12…

No fewer than 12 persons lost their lives in a fatal auto crash on Baimari – Geidam Road in Yobe.

Mr Livinus Yilzoom, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, confirmed the deaths in a statement in Damaturu on Wednesday.

He said the accident occurred at about 10:00 pm on Tuesday when a Howo truck ran into a bus with registration number BAU 124 YF near Chelluri village.

He said 12 passengers in the bus were burnt to death after the vehicle burst into flames.

“The preliminary investigation revealed road obstruction by the HOWO truck as the immediate cause, while excessive speed and overload by the bus driver (Sharan) were the remote causes of the road crash,” Yilzoom said.

He advised motorists to avoid night journeys, especially during the harmattan, noting that poor visibility was a major cause of accidents in the season.

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First Lady inaugurates radiotherapy – First Lady inaugurates radiotherapy…

First Lady inaugurates radiotherapy –  The First Lady, Sen….

 The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to the well-being of Nigerians by ensuring that all citizenry access quality health care services.

The first lady disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday at the 25th anniversary of National Hospital, Abuja (NHA), with the theme: “Celebrating 25 years of Quality Services and Expert Care.”

She commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Raji, and all the staff members for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of the citizens.

“Every Nigerian deserves quality health care, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“The Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Tinubu, is committed to rebuilding the healthcare system in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the NHA plays a vital role in ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

“As we look to the future, I urge members of staff and management of this great hospital to remain resilient and strive for excellence so that you can continue to positively impact the lives of many that seek qualitative medical care,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu, who stressed the importance of investing in the health of Nigerians, called on stakeholders to reflect and contribute positively to the cause.

“The establishment of this facility would not have been possible without the foresight of the former First Lady, Hajia Maryam Abacha, whose vision, under her national programme, Family Support Programme (FSP), birthed the idea that led to the establishment of a national hospital for Women and Children.

“The mandate of the hospital was later changed in 1999 to serve as an apex referral hospital in Nigeria to cater for all and was renamed the National Hospital, Abuja.

“In the spirit of the anniversary, therefore, the Radiotherapy Centre will be named Mariam Abacha Radiotherapy Centre,” the first lady added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first lady also inaugurated the radiotherapy centre and planted threes to mark her visit to the hospital. 

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Human rights lawyer Dele – Human rights lawyer Dele…

Human rights lawyer Dele – Human rights lawyer and…

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court on Wednesday, December 4, on a 16-count charge of defamation.

The charges stem from alleged defamatory statements made against Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Footage of Farotimi’s arrest surfaces

Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command arrested Farotimi at his Lagos residence on Tuesday, December 3. He arrived at the court at approximately 10:25 a.m.

A video of the arrest, shared by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, showed Farotimi being taken into custody, prompting a public outcry.

Call for Farotimi’s release

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticised the arrest, highlighting that Lagos State, where Farotimi was apprehended, has decriminalised defamation.

“This arrest, along with the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and harassment of staff, constitutes a disturbing breach of the rule of law,” said Afam Osigwe, NBA President.

Prominent lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana also called for Farotimi’s immediate release. He described the arrest as unlawful, arguing that libel in Lagos should be addressed as a civil matter.

Farotimi’s charges include allegations of criminal libel involving another high-profile individual, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Group.

These accusations are reportedly linked to statements in his book.

The NBA has demanded accountability from the police for what it terms a misuse of authority.

“The harassment of a lawyer in connection with his professional duties is a serious attack on the legal profession,” the association emphasised.

The case has sparked widespread debate on press freedom, the rule of law, and the criminalisation of defamation in Nigeria.

Farotimi’s next court appearance is expected to draw significant public and legal attention.

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