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Riot Brews as Kuje Prison Warders Claim Boko Haram Stole N82 Million, $36,000 Cash Belonging To Inmates

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The money had been kept with at least five prison officials, including those manning the commissary, for several months, our sources said.

Inmates held at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja are threatening a deadly riot after officials claimed a large chunk of money kept for the prisoners had been carted away by Boko Haram insurgents who breached the facility on Tuesday night, two sources with information have informed Peoples Gazette.

The money had been kept with at least five prison officials, including those manning the commissary, for several months, officials said.

“One prison guard told 13 inmates this afternoon that all the money they kept with him had been stolen,” an official said. “He bluntly told them that the N26 million is no longer in his possession.”

The prison, about 43 kilometres southwest of downtown Abuja, was breached at about 10:00 p.m. by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. While some detainees refused to take advantage of the jailbreak, all prisoners affiliated with Boko Haram escaped, according to defence minister Bashir Magashi.

At least 84 Boko Haram assets were believed held at Kuje prior to the attack, which lasted about three hours without any consequential intervention from security forces. About 600 inmates escaped in total, although officials said some had voluntarily returned. Actual roll-call statistics remained unclear as of Wednesday evening, nearly 24 hours after the attack.

President Muhammadu Buhari visited the facility for a few minutes on his way to the airport on a foreign trip to Senegal Wednesday afternoon, inspecting the damage while assuring correctional managers of support.

As the president departed the scene, prisoners began shouting that they’d lost money during the raid, while some threatened violence should officials fail to return their cash.

“Yes, that is the problem we’re confronting now,” an official said when asked for corroboration Wednesday evening. “Some people lost money in naira while some lost in dollars.”

The official said the money belong to wealthy individuals inside the prison.

“It’s those big men that are more enraged because they kept millions with the warders,” the official said. “About N82 million was declared missing and four people are looking for $36,000.”

“We don’t know what the prison management will do about the matter because the money was not kept with the warders officially,” our source added. The officials spoke under anonymity because they did not receive permission to comment on internal prison disputes.

A corrections spokesman did not return a request seeking comments about the missing cash and threats of violence thereof.

The facility holds politicians including former Taraba Governor Jolly Nyame and federal lawmaker Farouk Lawan. Disgraced police chief Abba Kyari is also held at the centre, as well as former pensions directorate grunt Abdulrasheed Maina.

In a recent letter protesting his protracted incarceration before a federal judge, Mr Kyari said he was funding a lot of activities at Kuje prisons, including monthly cable TV subscriptions.

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Bukola Saraki Celebrates Son Seni’s Grammy Win

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Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has congratulated his son, Seni, on his victory at the 67th Grammy Awards.

Seni earned his first Grammy for his contribution to the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which won Best Reggae Album.

In a post on X, Saraki expressed his joy at seeing his son’s passion recognised on a global stage, adding that he is “super proud” of him.

“Congratulations, Seni, on winning your first Grammy last night for your work on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the award for Best Reggae Album!” he wrote.

“Seeing you pour your heart into your passion and having it recognised on the global stage is an indescribable joy. Well done! We are super proud of you!

Reacting to the win, Seni expressed gratitude to all the artists and producers who contributed to the project’s success, including Nigeria’s Wizkid and Bloody Civilian.

appreciate all the amazing artistes, producers and engineers who were brave enough to take on this project because it is about Bob Marley’s legacy,” he said.

“I appreciate them for taking on the songs, reinterpreting them, and doing it their own way. Artists like Bloody Civilian, Wizkid, Daniel Caesar, and Jessie Reyez.”

Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical film depicting the life of the reggae icon, exploring how he overcame adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

This is not Seni’s first major industry recognition. In 2023, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, a project he worked on as a music consultant, earned four Grammy nominations.

A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Seni is the CEO of The Native, a Lagos-based music magazine he co-founded with Teni ‘Teezee’ Zaccheaus in 2016. The publication celebrates music, style, and art while championing African sounds and culture.

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Controversy Erupts Over Sultan of Sokoto’s Comments on Yoruba Affairs

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A recent statement regarding the Sultan of Sokoto’s support for Sharia Law in Yoruba land has sparked outrage, with critics questioning his authority over the Oodua race.

Some Yoruba commentators have pointed to historical tensions between the north and the south, referencing Mufti Iwo’s accounts of how the then Sultan sent evil mujahideen warriors to Yoruba land to kill Yorùbá warriors defending their land against the intruders and how Oluwo aided these mujahideen to kill and destroy his own people.

Dissenters argue that the Sultan should focus on addressing terrorism in northern Nigeria rather than expressing concerns about the South. Additionally, strong opposition has emerged against any potential introduction of Sharia law in Yoruba states, with critics insisting that such legal frameworks will not be tolerated.

Critics have also questioned the effectiveness of Sharia law in the North, stating that it has only brought “sorrow, tears, and blood” paraphrasing Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. They argue that despite harsh punishments such as amputations, crime rates have not decreased. Furthermore, they highlight the social consequences of early child marriages, which contribute to maternal health crises, high divorce rates, and even instances of domestic violence, including husband killings. The Almajiri system, which has left many children in the North without proper education or care, is also cited as a pressing issue.

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Breaking: Former Minister of FCT, Lt General Jeremiah Useni is Dead.

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Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has announced the death of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.

The elder statesman died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.

In a statement in Jos, Governor Mutfwang described his death as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.

He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.

Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.

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