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January 13, 2025 Federal Government Approves Four Airlines for 2025 Hajj Services

Federal Government Approves Four Airlines for 2025 Hajj Services

The Federal Government has officially approved four airlines as the designated carriers for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj.

This announcement was made on Sunday by the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman. According to him, the selected airlines—Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi Arabia-designated airline), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.—were chosen from 11 companies that applied to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The selection process was overseen by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee inaugurated by NAHCON on November 26, 2024. The committee included representatives from the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Additional members included NAHCON board representatives from all geopolitical zones, as well as heads from the commission's Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, and Special Duties departments.

Prof. Usman also announced that three excess cargo carriers were selected to support the Hajj operations: Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Qualla Investment Ltd.

While congratulating the approved companies, Prof. Usman emphasized the need for them to deliver on their commitments made during the screening process.

In a related development, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government. The signing ceremony, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was attended by Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This formal agreement cements the partnership and sets the stage for a successful Hajj operation in 2025.

 

January 10, 2025 FG Receives $52.88 Million in Recovered Assets Tied to Diezani

FG Receives $52.88 Million in Recovered Assets Tied to Diezani

The Nigerian government has officially received $52.88 million in recovered Galactica assets, linked to former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the announcement at a formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the USA in Abuja on Friday.

Fagbemi explained that $50 million of the recovered funds will be allocated through the World Bank to support a rural electrification project, while the remaining $2 million will be used to bolster the International Institute of Justice's efforts to expand the justice system and combat corruption.

Fagbemi emphasized that the return of these assets represents a key milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against corruption and the promotion of the rule of law. He also highlighted that this development aligns with President Bola Tinubu's efforts to address corruption in the country.

In his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, stressed the importance of monitoring and ensuring that the recovered assets are used effectively for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

READ ALSO: Diezani Alison-Madueke Charged With Bribery Offences In UK

January 10, 2025 Former Kano SSG Threatens to Expose Government and Political Figures

Former Kano SSG Threatens to Expose Government and Political Figures

Abdullahi Bichi, the recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, has vowed to reveal what he calls “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal. Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made this statement upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, Bichi told his supporters that the time would come to expose the leaders responsible for the betrayal. He claimed to have documents, videos, and voice recordings that would reveal the true nature of these individuals.

“I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them,” Bichi said, adding that the evidence would reveal the true character of the people involved.

Bichi’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. He accused the leaders of betrayal, calling them “masters of betrayal” and suggesting they cannot be trusted.

This controversy has sparked intense speculation among political observers and residents in Kano, with many wondering if Bichi will follow through on his threat and how it might affect the political landscape in the state.

Bichi had previously been accused of attempting to sever Governor Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence, leading to his suspension from the NNPP along with the then Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

NNPP’s State Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, explained the suspension, saying it followed complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels. The party cited disrespect for its structure and leadership as the reason for their decision.

January 8, 2025 Kanu Opposes FG’s Request to Resume Trial, Demands Judge Replacement

Kanu Opposes FG’s Request to Resume Trial, Demands Judge Replacement

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako must recuse herself from the case. This was disclosed by his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who stated that the trial judge’s decision to step aside on September 24, 2024, remains valid and binding.

Ejimakor accused the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court, asserting that Kanu no longer has a case before Justice Nyako. He maintained that the judge’s order to recuse herself has not been overturned by any competent court.

Kanu, facing charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, pleaded not guilty to all allegations. He was initially arrested in 2015, detained in the Kuje Correctional Facility, and granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. After fleeing the country following a military raid on his residence, Kanu relocated to the United Kingdom. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

During a court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu requested that Justice Nyako step aside, citing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. Justice Nyako agreed and forwarded the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. However, the Chief Judge returned the case to her, stating she was best positioned to conclude it, given her longstanding familiarity with the matter.

Despite the Chief Judge’s directive, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), sought a new trial date, arguing that Justice Nyako’s role as presiding judge had been reinstated.

Kanu, speaking on his own behalf during the proceedings, expressed distrust in the judge’s impartiality and reiterated his request for her withdrawal. He accused the court of failing to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision and demanded a new judge to ensure a fair trial.

Justice Nyako, after considering the arguments, stood by her earlier decision to recuse herself, returning the case file to the Chief Judge for further action.

The prosecution maintained that Kanu’s objections were baseless and urged the court to proceed with the hearing. The matter remains unresolved as both parties await further directives, while Kanu remains in DSS custody, with repeated bail applications denied.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between Kanu, his supporters, and the Nigerian government, with allegations of constitutional breaches and questions of judicial impartiality continuing to dominate the proceedings.

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