The Federal government has defended its decision to suspend the activities of Twitter in the country stating that its action is well-founded in law which has in no way breached the rights of its citizens. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known during his presentation at the House of Representatives Joint Committee on the Suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. In the presentation, the minister argued that Twitter activity in the country is in violation of public interest and negates some provisions of the Terrorism Act as well as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Major General Farouk Yahaya for appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The confirmation of Yahaya followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Joint Senate Committee on Defence and Army at plenary. Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto) said the committee found the nominee suitable to occupy the position. Yahaya was appointed on May 27, 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari following the death of the former chief of army staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, in a plane crash, which occurred in Kaduna on May 21, 2021. Before his appointment, Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding Division 1 of the Nigerian Army and Theatre Commander of the Counter-Terrorism, Counter-Insurgency military outfit in the North East codenamed Operation HADIN KAI. Wamakko said the decision was reached given Yahaya’s wide display of in-depth knowledge and experience on strategic tactics of military operations.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed George Abang Ekpungu as the new Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ekpungu’s appointment is for a new tenure of five years if confirmed by the Senate.

About 15 persons kidnapped alongside 156 students of Salihu Tanko Islamic school in Tegina Rafi Local government Area of Niger state, have escaped from their abductors over the weekend. It was gathered that the lucky victims escaped while some of the bandits stationed to watch over them were asleep. An escapee who got to Tegina first informed the people, prompting Niger state government to begin working toward assisting other victims. The escapee is said to be hospitalised for treatment. According to him, “We discovered that some of the bandits who were heavily armed slept off after being drunk and we cashed on that to escape.” Further information revealed that three other victims among the escapees arrived Tegina in the early hours of Sunday, while one of them who was rescued was brought to Minna where he is receiving treatment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning to about 120 Managing Directors (MDs) and top executives in the banking sector to submit their Asset Declaration Forms.

The Kaduna state #EndSARS public hearing panel of Inquiry has concluded its investigation into police brutality and other related extra-judicial killings after it entertained a total of 69 petitions from individuals and organisations. Justice David Wyom (rtd) who headed the panel made this disclosure at the end of its sitting in the state capital on Friday. He said that some of the petitions that bothered human rights violations were cases that were pathetic and avoidable. He added that some of the petitions were either withdrawn or struck out by the panel.