By Suleiman Yakubu

The Minna Senior Magistrate Court number three has ordered the remand of an Islamic teacher who inflicted deep injuries on a seven-year-old child in correctional custody.
Nura Suleiman was ordered to be remanded in correctional custody on the orders of the presiding senior magistrate, Hajiya Halima Yusuf, after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charges brought against him.
Men of the Niger State Child Rights Agency in Suleja received a tip-off and arrested the defendant, who is an Islamic teacher residing in Suleja.
He was said to have used an electric cable to severely whip his Islamic pupil, seven-year old Isah Muazu, as a result of which he sustained injuries to all parts of his body.
As a result of the severity and degree of the injuries sustained, he was rushed to Suleja General Hospital for medical attention.
The same Islamic teacher, according to police prosecutor Inspector Emma Bassa, had inflicted similar injuries on one of his Islamic pupils, Khalifa Mohammed, who was 11 years old, sometimes last year.
He was arraigned on three counts of causing hurt without provocation, cruelty to children, and ill treatment of a child.
According to the police First Information Report (FIR), marked MN/CR/21/2024, made available in court and obtained by Newsline online, three count charges were punishable under sections 246, 238 (a) of the penal code law and section 25 of the Niger State Child Right and Protection Law 2021 as amended.
When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty, however he earlier, during the police investigation, admitted committing the offence, attributing it to the act of the devil.
His defence counsel, Barrister Bawa Mijinyawa, then made an oral application for his bail, which was objected to by the prosecutor, arguing that the case has national interest as the injuries sustained by the pupil went viral on social media platforms.
The prosecutor then urged for the remand of the defendant in correctional custody for further mention in the case.
Granting the request of the prosecutor, the presiding senior magistrate, Hajiya Halima Yusuf, then ordered his remand and adjourned the case till February 19, 2024.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sympathised with the Niger State Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union Journalists over the death of its member, Mercy Ngozi Osajiugo, News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) Senior Correspondent in the state.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, NAN, Correspondents Chapel, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council.
He acknowledged the selfless service of the deceased and her role in upholding responsible journalism in the state.
According to him, "It is indeed a sad moment for all members of the pen profession in Niger State, but I encouraged you not to lose faith in God in your bereavement, as He gives and takes life when and how He wills.
"I deeply sympathise with you all; may God comfort you and also repose her soul.".
The late Mercy Ngozi Osajiugo was a practicing journalist who served in Niger State for several years.
Until her death, she was a senior correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Minna Zonal office.