Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the newly appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has clarified that there is no mandate to revive the controversial ‘Nigeria Air’ project, which involved a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

In a statement addressing recent rumours that suggested the federal government might reconsider the deal, Dr. Kana emphasized that no such instructions had been given. His clarification came after widespread speculation regarding the future of the National Carrier project.

It is worth recalling that in 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos nullified the sale of 49 percent of Nigeria Air’s equity stake to Ethiopian Airlines. Dr. Kana addressed the public’s concerns, stressing that any future decisions regarding a national carrier would depend on favorable conditions and be guided by presidential directives.

Dr. Kana also reiterated his commitment to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasizing a team-oriented approach to improving Nigeria’s aviation sector. “It is an honor and responsibility to help drive the continued growth and innovation in our aviation and aerospace sector,” Kana stated.

Referring to the confusion surrounding his earlier comments, Dr. Kana clarified, “I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines. I received no such instruction. I was referring to the general vision to potentially revisit the national carrier project, but only if it aligns with the country’s interests and under the guidance of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honorable Minister of Aviation.”

With a strong focus on teamwork and future innovation, Dr. Kana pledged his loyalty to Minister Keyamo, working collaboratively to ensure a promising and progressive future for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has debunked rumours of him being arrested, describing it as “recurring fake news.

Some social media posts had claimed that the former Anambra State governor was arrested in Abuja.

But in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said the claims are entirely false and stated that he is currently at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

He recalled how similar “lies” had been circulated last September that the Department for Security Services (DSS) invaded his home while he was in Rwanda.

The Labour Party chieftain said that the motive of those peddling the rumours cannot be positive but urged Nigerians not to allow it to distract them from the critical challenges facing the nation.

The post reads, “The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

“Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people. Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja.

“The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation. I Thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible!!!”

Obi had on Tuesday alleged threat to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his new year message.

Obi’s allegation follows a statement credited to the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, in a recent interview.

Morka was quoted to have said that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”. However, the APC spokesperson has denied threatening the opposition leader or his family.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says its patrol and guard unit intercepted 59 male children suspected to be victims of human trafficking

According to the FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, the children are aged between 4 and 12.

Disu, at a press briefing on Wednesday, said the incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.

Disu said a preliminary investigation revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State.

He said Usman allegedly travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.

The statement reads in part, “On 6th January 2025, at about 1530 hours, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route.

“The vehicle was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano State, accompanied by his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.

“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 and 12 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State. He allegedly traveled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.”

“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway. The Police Command is working closely with FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice,” he added.