…As man lands in court ***
Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has approved the establishment of a task force on drug control to assist in reviewing and providing informed policies and programmes on drug and substance abuse in the state.
The information is in a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar-Yauri in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He stated that Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Umar Ambursa, had been appointed as Chairman of the taskforce, while the wife of the governor, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu would serve as Patron.
Umar-Yauri added that “the task force is mandated to assist in reviewing and providing informed comments on policies and programmes relating to drug and substance abuse.
“It will also facilitate and assist in respect of policy and programme initiatives in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“The committee will also recommend and support conferences, seminars and meetings aimed at preventing, treating and reducing drug abuse.
“It is expected to routinely recommend and support the award of scholarships and sponsorships in basic and advance trainings in matters relating to addictions, as well as to encourage research and publications,” it said.
Members of the committee include representatives of the Nigerian Police, NDLEA, NSCDC, NAFDAC, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Medical Association, as well as the Ministries of Justice, Education and Health.
Others are representatives of Ministries of Youth and Sports Development and Women and Social Development, NGOs and civil society organisations.
Membership is also drawn from the Council of Ulamas, CAN, youth and student organisations and representatives of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru Emirates.
In another development, a 36-year-old man, Lewis Pascal, was on Tuesday arraigned in a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged forgery and cheating.
Pascal, who resides at Isa Kaita, Kaduna, is standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, cheating and forgery.
Also read: Court remands Chidinma for alleged murder of Super TV CEO, Ataga
The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that Mercy Bello, reported the matter at Gabasawa Police Station on July 31.
According to Leo, sometime in Dec. 2020, the defendant deceived the complainant by promising to assist her in getting an international passport, a London visa and air ticket.
“The defendant deceived the complainant by telling her that the registration processes had been completed and even issued her a London visa.
“She discovered that the visa was forged when she wanted to travel,” he said.
He said the defendant absconded to an unknown destination when he realised that the complainant had discovered his dubious act.
The offence, he said, contravened sections 297, 307 and 345 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until Aug. 30 for mention.
