Former bandit leader Kachallah Bugaje has publicly renounced banditry and announced his new identity as Zakiru Bugaje. In a 5-minute, 42-second video, he declared that he would no longer engage in criminal activities such as kidnapping and theft.

Bugaje admitted to abducting over 50 people and initially demanding ransoms ranging from ₦10 million to ₦25 million.

However, he revealed that, out of fear of God, he and his fighters ultimately decided to release all the captives without collecting any ransom.

Zagazola Makama reports that throughout the video, he repeatedly denounced his past crimes and expressed deep praise for Prophet Muhammad.

He emphasized his commitment to a new path, urging others to abandon criminal activities as well.

His renunciation of banditry marks a significant moment, as he was joined by 50 of his fighters in laying down their arms.

The Jigawa State Government has approved ₦4.8 billion for the 2024 Ramadan Feeding Programme, which will support vulnerable residents during fasting.
Announcing the decision after a recent council meeting in Dutse, the State Commissioner for Information, Sagir Musa, disclosed that the initiative will be jointly funded by the state and local governments.

“The state government will cover 55 per cent of the total cost, while the local government councils will contribute the remaining 45 per cent,” Musa stated.

As part of efforts to enhance the programme’s reach, the number of feeding centres has been increased from 609 last year to 630 Each centre will cater to 300 individuals daily, providing three different meals, including Kunu, Kosai, and Jollof rice.

Court sittings have been temporarily suspended in Imo State High Court following an alleged shaking of one of the Federal High Court buildings suspected to have been caused by structural defects.

For their safety, the lawyers refused to enter the said building which is said to be one of the tallest in the premises.

It was gathered by our correspondent that the new Federal High Court buildings were built during the Rescue Mission administration of the former Governor, Rochas Okorocha.

Speaking to Journalists in front of the collapsing structure at the Federal High Court, the State Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chris Ihentuge, announced that lawyers have suspended judiciary activities for one week in the said building until the proper maintenance is done, saying being in the collapsing building in the name of going to court poses great danger, as they cannot afford risking or losing their lives in a suicidal manner.

The NBA Chairman informed that the said building was having structural defects prior to occupation but regretted that the State Government, which promised to bring an expert to conduct an integrity test on the building with a view to fixing it, did not fulfill its promise.

He said, to stay safe, ”the NBA, Owerri branch, has warned lawyers and litigants, that it is risky using the shaking judiciary building, which he lamented has been very unseemly dangerous.

Ihentuge used the moment to call on the state government and other well-meaning members of society to quickly intervene to improve the judiciary for the good of humanity and the advancement of society.

According to Ihentuge, “I was reliably informed that as at yesterday (Thursday) while one of the courts was on, one of the buildings was vibrating. I have made calls to the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court who confirmed that The Lord, Onyeukwu, had informed her of the incident. I also heard from another Judge that the building was terribly shaking two days ago while the court was sitting”.

He stressed that the issue had been lingering even before the building was put to use, confirming that
there were a lot of complaints about the structural defects in the building without any positive response.

“As at last 2 weeks when the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, had a media chat, I informed the Governor that this building is in bad shape. The Governor confirmed he had received that complaint and that he will do integrity test on the building and up till today nothing has happened

“We cannot risk our lives in the name of going to court. So, we are saying for now, we suspend, for one week, the use of this building, until the proper thing is done, which is, let experts come and certify the integrity test – that this building is fit” he further said.

The NBA State Chairman said he had notified lawyers and litigants that it is risky using the building as it is now.

“That is why we are complaining that a Chief Judge should be appointed for the Imo State Judiciary. A situation that, where we do not have a Chief Judge going to 3 months, is not acceptable. Because we cannot remain like this without a leader”, he maintained.