The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, a ministerial nominee forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirmation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Darma appeared before lawmakers in the Senate chamber on Thursday at about 12:32pm, where he was immediately subjected to questioning by senators as part of the constitutional confirmation process.

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The session, which is currently ongoing, has seen lawmakers engage the nominee on issues relating to his qualifications, experience, and plans for contributing to national development if confirmed.

Recall that President Tinubu had on Wednesday, written to the Senate requesting the screening and subsequent confirmation of Darma as part of efforts to strengthen his cabinet.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who read the President’s communication during plenary, referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for legislative consideration and directed that the exercise be handled promptly.

The screening is expected to continue as senators further evaluate the nominee before any confirmation decision is made.

More to follow……….. 

Two persons have been confirmed dead while another is missing following a fresh attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Thursday.

The attack reportedly occurred around 3 a.m. when unidentified gunmen stormed the community and opened fire sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety amid panic.

Eyewitness accounts and community sources said the attackers invaded while residents were still asleep, leaving destruction and confusion in their wake.

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Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said local vigilantes had already begun a search operation for the missing resident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm in the area.

The latest assault adds to growing insecurity concerns in Riyom LGA, which has witnessed a rise in violent incidents in recent weeks, including reported destruction of farmlands in nearby communities.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community as residents fear possible further violence.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention from security agencies to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and investigation into the incident as efforts continue to track the perpetrators.

The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a suspected armed robbery operation and arrested three suspects along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway during a routine patrol and stop-and-search exercise.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka anipr, Mnisma, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, noting that the operation was part of sustained efforts to strengthen security on major highways.

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According to the Command, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Mazda commercial bus during a routine stop-and-search along the expressway.

During the search, one of the passengers, identified as Imoleayo Ibrahim ‘M’, was found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, leading to his immediate arrest.

The suspect was reportedly interrogated on the spot and allegedly confessed that the firearm was meant for armed robbery operations along the expressway.

He also revealed that he was working with two accomplices identified as Ibrahim Najeem ‘M’ and Olamilekan ‘M’, who were responsible for coordinating and executing attacks on unsuspecting road users.

Following the confession, police operatives swiftly moved into action and arrested the two accomplices, bringing all three suspects into custody.

Reacting to the development, the Command said: “This arrest is part of our sustained proactive policing strategy aimed at ensuring that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and other highways remain safe for commuters.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, describing the operation as a reflection of effective intelligence-led policing.

He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and operational guidance, stating: “The support of the IGP has continued to strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.”

The CP further emphasized the importance of public cooperation, noting: “Security is a shared responsibility. We urge residents to continue providing timely and credible information that can help prevent crime.”

The Command assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the suspected robbery operations and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

For emergencies, the Command urged the public to contact: Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615
Police Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413