A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two others have been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja, each required to pay ₦100 million.

The case revolves around an alleged fraud totaling ₦2.7 billion.

The court mandated two sureties with landed properties in Abuja, emphasising their responsibility as citizens.

Additionally, sureties must submit an affidavit of means.

The court imposed travel restrictions on the defendants without its permission.

Justice Oriji warned of remanding the defendants if bail conditions aren’t met.

The sureties must possess valid titles for landed properties within the FCT.

Trial dates are scheduled for June 10th, 11th, and 20th.”

The Kaduna State government has unveiled plans to merge 359 schools in response to escalating banditry and insecurity, which have led to numerous cases of abduction and kidnapping across the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders forum and the training session of the Schools’ Protection Squad, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, emphasised the need for decisive measures to protect schools and children from bandit attacks.

The merger will involve consolidating schools in vulnerable communities with those located in safer areas.

Kila highlighted the significance of the newly launched School Protection Squad, part of the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, aimed at safeguarding educational institutions, children, and teachers from various forms of attacks orchestrated by bandits and terrorists.

Acknowledging Kaduna’s relentless battle against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, Kila expressed concern over the disruptive impact of non-state actors on socio-economic activities. He underscored the threat these activities pose to the state’s educational revitalisation programme.

The governor’s representative raised alarm over the crisis of declining school enrollment in Kaduna, citing a drastic drop of over 200,000 primary school pupils in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year.

This decline, he attributed primarily to insecurity, particularly in areas such as Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi, where insecurity has forced school consolidation, exacerbating the number of out-of-school children.

Kila stressed the critical role of ensuring the safety and security of schools in achieving human capital development goals and sustainable development.

He lauded the Federal Government for launching the N144.8 billion safe schools financing plan and the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad, aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions nationwide.

In addition to merging schools in conflict-prone areas with safer locations, the Kaduna State government is implementing various measures to strengthen school security, including fencing, establishment of security committees, deployment of vigilance services, provision of emergency lines, and security awareness training for staff and community members.

Kila expressed hope that the capacity-building programme would equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate challenging security situations and foster strategic communication to win the hearts and minds of citizens in conflict-affected communities.

He emphasised the importance of regular engagement between security forces and community leaders to enhance collaboration and trust-building efforts.

Real Madrid produced a spectacular comeback against Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final with Joselu striking twice late on, earning them a 2-1 win on Wednesday to progress 4-3 on aggregate.

Alphonso Davies smashed the visiting German giants ahead in the second half but record 14-time winners Madrid produced a sensational comeback with Joselu netting in the 88th and 91st minutes.

 Bayern Munich’s Canadian midfielder #19 Alphonso Davies scores his team’s first goal in spite of Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper #13 Andriy Lunin during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Spanish champions Real Madrid face another German side, Borussia Dortmund, in the Wembley final on June 1, after they stunned the team they call their “black beast”.

Squad player Joselu, on as a late substitute, wrote his name in Madrid’s history books with his last-gasp brace.

Bayern Munich’s English forward #09 Harry Kane reacts to their defeat after the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

“There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die,” said Real midfielder Jude Bellingham.

“Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.”

Madrid had enjoyed the better of the match but it seemed Davies’ superb strike had set up a repeat of the 2013 all-German final in London.

Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel made three changes from the first leg, benching veteran Thomas Mueller and Leon Goretzka.

Dani Carvajal started for Madrid after missing the first leg suspended and was heavily involved as the hosts dominated the opening stages.

Real Madrid players celebrate their second goal scored by Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #14 Joselu during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

Rodrygo Goes was inches away from converting Carvajal’s low cross and the Spain defender then cleverly set up Vinicius Junior with a pass nutmegging a defender, and Manuel Neuer tipped the Brazilian’s shot against the post.

The rebound fell to Rodrygo but his effort was weak and with a desperate arm Neuer was able to claw it out to complete a fine double save.

Bayern’s Serge Gnabry limped off injured with Davies replacing him before Harry Kane’s first flash of danger.

Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was alert to push the England captain’s vicious long-range volley around the post.

Neuer palmed away a Vinicius free-kick as the teams ended a high-intensity, relentlessly frantic first half level.

The second period was just as fraught, with Davies’ cross deflecting onto the roof of Lunin’s goal.

Vinicius was unplayable down Madrid’s left and Rodrygo prodded his low cross agonisingly wide of the far post.

The 38-year-old Neuer made superb saves to deny both Brazilian forwards again before the hour mark as Madrid controlled the game and ratcheted up the pressure.

However just as in Munich, when Los Blancos were at their strongest, Bayern pounced.

Kane fed Davies and the Canada international cut inside from the left and smashed a shot beyond Lunin into the far top corner after 68 minutes.

Madrid thought they had levelled moments later through Nacho but after a VAR review the strike was ruled out as the defender had grabbed Joshua Kimmich’s face before shooting.

Tuchel took off Kane in the final stages to try and hold on to victory but it slipped through his fingers as Madrid produced more indelible European memories.

Neuer, who had been sublime to this point, fumbled what appeared a simple Vinicius strike and Joselu gratefully bundled home from close range.

With Bayern reeling Madrid struck again, decisively. It was Joselu once more, the striker on loan from second division side Espanyol, turning home after Antonio Rudiger cut the ball back to him.

The goal was ruled offside but officials overturned the decision after review, and after nearly 15 minutes of stoppage time, Madrid earned the chance to go for their 15th Champions League trophy.