The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Five in police net over alleged disruption of NANS convention in Abuja

    Five in police net over alleged disruption of NANS convention in Abuja

    • Firearms recovered

    The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, CP Haruna Garba, has warned against any form of disturbance of public peace, unlawful assembly and criminal infiltration of lawful assembly within the FCT.

    He gave the warning yesterday while confirming the arrest of five suspects in connection with the attempted  infiltration of the November 30, 2023 National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) convention to disrupt the process.

    The suspects were promptly intercepted by security operatives, some of whom were handed over to the Police by the Department of State Services (DSS).

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    The suspects are: Adeniran Femi, Ishaya Christopher, Obigi Emeka, Fatokun Ayodele and Abdullahi Saliu.

    Exhibits recovered from them include a pump action gun, one locally made double barrel shotgun, two locally made pistol, one baretta pistol, 15 live ammunition, cartridges, an axe, 12 cutlasses, mobile phones, bag containing uniforms of security agencies and a Mazda car with registration number RBC909DP, which contains some of the exhibits.

    According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, investigation is being intensified while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects still at large.

    Adeh said the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

  • Doctor approaches Appeal Court to upturn rape conviction

    Doctor approaches Appeal Court to upturn rape conviction

    The Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Olufemi Olaleye, has proceeded to the Court of Appeal seeking to rescind the judgment of a lower court, which convicted him of rape.

    Olaleye was in October sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for raping his wife’s niece who was a teenager when the defilement happened.

    In his judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution, the Lagos State Government, had proved the charge against the defendant and the evidence against him was compelling.

    In the appeal filed through his lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), on November 24, Olaleye highlighted 35 grounds of appeal against the judgment of the lower court.

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    According to the appellant, the lower court erred when in the absence of any direct evidence, it held that the alleged victim of the crime was a child of 16 years at the time of the offence, adding that there was no direct evidence from anyone who witnessed the birth of the alleged victim of the crime.

    The appellant stated that the prosecution did not tender any documentary evidence in support of its case that the alleged victim was 16 years.

     Olaleye’s lawyer claimed that the alleged victim’s testimony was full of inconsistencies which contradict the submission of the lower court.

    The alleged victim, according to the appellant, did not make any accusation of rape in her statement to the police.

  • Court remands man over alleged $63,599 fraud

    Court remands man over alleged $63,599 fraud

    • By Adebisi Onanuga and Elizabeth Eze

    Justice Ismail Ojelu of an Ikeja High Court has remanded a man, Abdulhamid Isah, in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS) over alleged $63,599 fraud.

    Isah was yesterday arraigned by the  Lagos State Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money by fake pretences, stealing and retaining proceeds of a criminal conduct.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    EFCC prosecutor, Nwandu Ukoha, told the court that the defendant had sometime in October 2022, obtained $63,590 by fake pretences.

    Ukoha said the defendant also stole the said amount belonging to Chinedu Ugokwe.

    He informed the court that the money was given to Isah, with the intention to exchange same to the naira equivalent, which the defendant failed to do.

    Also, the defendant was accused of retaining the said amount, suspected to be proceeds of a criminal conduct.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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    EFCC prosecutor Ukoha, thereafter, urged the court to remand the defendant, pending commencement of trial.

    The defence counsel, Emmanuel Ogbeche, moved a bail application, praying the court to grant the application and requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

    Responding, Ukoha  decided  to leave the defence bail application to the discretion of the court.

    Justice Ijelu granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N5 million only with two sureties in like sum.

    The judge ordered that one of the sureties must be a relation and reside in Lagos State.

    The judge said the sureties must present evidence of a reliable source of livelihood and that the defendant be produced at every trial date.

    He then order the remand of the defendant at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of bail.

    Justice Ijelu thereafter adjourned the matter till February 1, 2024 for trial.

  • Fed Govt pledges to combat NCDs, HIV

    Fed Govt pledges to combat NCDs, HIV

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has vowed that it will address the dual challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and HIV in the country.

    Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Anyaike Chukwuma, affirmed this commitment yesterday in Abuja during the first annual APIN Public Health Initiative Symposium, themed “Integrating Non-Communicable Diseases and HIV to ensure long and quality lives for Persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

    Chukwuma outlined a four-point agenda, emphasizing a holistic approach to governance, capacity development, health system strengthening, and financial measures.

    He stressed the importance of collective engagement and expert contributions to ensure a healthier and higher-quality life for PLHIV in the country.

    Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, acknowledged APIN’s pivotal role in HIV care over 23 years.

    Anas-Kolo highlighted the need for global integration and societal collaboration in HIV-related initiatives, emphasising the burden of non-communicable diseases and their additional costs associated with HIV infection.

    Addressing the symposium, Acting Team Lead for NCD at World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa’s Regional Office, Dr. Barango Prebo, emphasised the significance of hypertension as an NCD risk factor in Africa.

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    Prebo expressed concern about the high prevalence of the disease affecting one in three adults, with 80 per cent unaware or not receiving treatment, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and healthcare services.

    Additionally, he pointed out distinctive challenges in Africa, such as the highest burden of cervical cancer among NCDs.

    Addressing Nigeria’s challenging position with NCDs surpassing the global average, Prebo noted that premature NCD rates are at over 70 per cent.

    Prebo emphasised that its broader impact on the population goes beyond the poor due to limited access to treatment and healthcare services.

    He underscored the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in the region.

    He highlighted the challenge of aligning medication distribution, especially for HIV and adjuncts like Atenol, across different time frames, stressing the importance of systematic monitoring.

  • Wike to kick-off rehabilitation of roads in Asokoro

    Wike to kick-off rehabilitation of roads in Asokoro

    As part of his commitment to the maintenance and optimization of public infrastructure as well as ensuring the seamless functioning of essential services in the city,  the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike will today flag off the rehabilitation of road projects in the  Asokoro District of the Abuja.

    The Asokoro District, known for its significance and strategic importance in the city, will witness comprehensive road rehabilitation aimed at improving accessibility, traffic flow, and overall urban aesthetics.

    According to a statement issued yesterday by the Director Press, office of the FCT minister, Anthony Ogunleye, the initiative is a testament to the minister’s dedication to ensuring that public infrastructure is not only developed but also meticulously maintained to meet the evolving needs of the city.

    The kick-off ceremony will take place at the AYA roundabout in Asokoro by 12 noon.

    Ogunleye said: “The following are the streets in Asokoro that are to be rehabilitated : Abdoul Diouf Street, Akenzua Street, Gado Nasko Close, Gnassingbe Eyadema Street, Haile Selassie Street, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Justice Roseline Ukeje Close, Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Kyari Mohammed Crescent, River Yambo Street, Maitama Sule Street, Nelson Mandela Street, Patrice Lumumba Street, Samora Machel Street, Siaka Steven Street, Udo Udoma Street, Ukpabi Asika Street, Williams Tolbert Close, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Aya Ramp, Aya Roundabout, Usman Fodio Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Muhammadu Ribadu Street, J. F. Kennedy Street, Ali Akilu Crescent, Ibrahim Taiwo Street and Justice G. Sowemimo Street/Jose Marti Crescent.

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    “Other locations outside Asokoro include: Burundi Street,  Cabinda Street,  Damba Close,  Ndande Crescent,  Suez Crescent,  Lumsar Street,  Addis Ababa Street,  Manzini Street,  Benghazi Street,  Manapulane +Casamance Street,  Bamenda Street,  Lukulu Street,  Kamina Street,  Tamale Street,  Matadi Street,  Algeria Street,  ASBA / Dantata Street, Off Ring Road-2,  Queen Elizebeth Street and  Gashua Close, Area-8, Garki.

    “The FCTA wishes to inform the public that the affected roads will be partially closed to traffic and road users will be diverted to other adjoining routes to allow for smooth conduct of the rehabilitation works.

    “The general public is to further note that the FCT Department of Road Transport Services, the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps have been duly informed of this exercise and would be on ground to ensure seamless traffic control and management during the period of planned rehabilitation works.”

  • Be committed, purposeful, Sokoto gov tells cabinet members

    Be committed, purposeful, Sokoto gov tells cabinet members

    Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has urged members of his cabinet to be committed, purposeful and sincere with vision for ensuring a transformed Sokoto state.

    He also urged them to be free and contribute to the success of the administration.

    Sokoto said this yesterday at the commencement of the 3rd weekly State Executive Council Meeting in Sokoto.

    “I can’t do it alone, we should collectively work towards reaching the dream land and destination for the success of the state,” he said.

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    While noting that his administration was on course to fulfill campaign promises to the people, the governor stressed that the state was fast undergoing robust transformation in so many respects.

    “We particularly promised to have a new Sokoto state and today we are seeing the transformation. The Exco is a platform for discussing relevant issues, proffer solutions with direct bearing on the lives of Sokoto people. Thank God for making us discuss and take decisions in the best interest of Sokoto people”

  • Hepatitis: Gowon centre to vaccinate 2000 patients in Gombe

    Hepatitis: Gowon centre to vaccinate 2000 patients in Gombe

    The Yakubu Gowon Centre yesterday commenced sensitisation and vaccination of 2000 hepatitis patients in Gombe as part of campaign and advocacy against the killer disease.

    The campaign against viral hepatitis by Yakubu Gowon Centre which started in 2019 was coming to Gombe State for the first time in 2023 after it covered the five other North East states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Taraba.

    The Project Coordinator, Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, said the centre will advocate and sensitize the people for them to come out to be screened and vaccinated against the disease.

    “We are going to carry out the program in the three senatorial districts of Gombe State. The General Hospital at Biliri and the Correctional Center there have been selected as our base of operation for Gombe South. The General Hospital at Kumo has been selected for Gombe Central while in Gombe, we are going to use the State Specialist Hospital and the Correctional Center for Gombe North Senatorial District,” he said.

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    He said the campaign which will take three months will cover the three doses of vaccination for first, second and third doses.

    “For the first phase of activity, we are going to be here for four days. Both the screening and vaccination will be carried out simultaneously. The vaccination has a thirty day gap, after the first vaccination, the patient will have to come back after thirty days for the second vaccination and the second one will also be after thirty days,” he said.

    Dr. Zaradin Bapayo Adams from the state Ministry of Health, said the state is well prepared and ready to receive any intervention coming to the state.

    He said currently, the state has no data for hepatitis and that is why the intervention from Yakubu Gowon Centre is coming at the right time.

    Adams said the mortality rate for hepatitis in the state is quite high because of lack of awareness and support in treating the disease.

    “It’s like HIV but we many support on that providing medication and others for it but for hepatitis, we don’t have; may be that is why the mortality rate is high. That’s why we are welcoming all the interventions that will bring positive impact on hepatitis,” he said.

  • NAHCON sets up committee to review catering, accommodation guidelines

    NAHCON sets up committee to review catering, accommodation guidelines

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a committee to review the guidelines on accommodation and catering services for the purpose of engendering better service delivery for next year’s Hajj.

    Acting Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON Malam Jalal Arabi, said the review would make pilgrims get better services from service providers.

    He said: “What we are doing is to improve on the way we are doing things. Like it happens in some other parts of the world, we need to be dynamic. As it is the global practice, we have to improve in our ways, to be in conformity with the international best practices.”

    He urged the committee to approach the assignment with open mind and a keen sense of responsibility as their report would have great influence on the commission’s accommodation and catering services in Saudi Arabia.

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    “As experienced staff, I have no doubt that you will carry out the assignment with utmost good faith. You also have the leeway to expand beyond the scope of reference. Whatever recommendation/suggestion you proffer will enrich our knowledge as well as the betterment of the commission,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the committee members, Dr Aliyu Tanko, thanked the chairman for the opportunity accorded them to serve.

    Tanko stated that though the task seems daunting but expressed the hope and confidence in the members to carry out the assignment in the best possible ways, stressing the inter relationship between the assignment and the outcome of the 2024 Hajj.

  • Railway will boost economic growth in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    Railway will boost economic growth in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has promised Plateau citizens that arrangements have been concluded toward the speedy completion of the ongoing railway project in the state.

    The governor said the project would cushion the effects of the high cost of transport and drive development and economic growth in the state.

    Mutfwang said this while inspecting the ongoing Railway Project at the Jos Terminus station to ascertain the level of completion.

    Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, he said that the project became necessary to address the high cost of transport and current economic hardship in the state.

    He said: “The railway system plays a significant role in the development and overall growth of any economy. It is often regarded as the wheels of economic activity because of the crucial role it plays in providing the bulwark upon which production and distribution stand.

    “It opens up regions, hinterlands, and rural areas by facilitating agricultural development as well as the growth of cottage and large-scale industries. It also attracts residential, commercial, educational, and recreational settlements and developments around its corridor, which is why my administration swung into action to revive this important sector that has been left to rot.

    “The importance of the rail line is further accentuated by its safety and security factors, especially as we are faced with insecurity in our state and offers lower unit costs in terms of transport fares, and it is in good stead to serve as the hub of a transport system in our dear state.”

    Mutfwang urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure the speedy completion of the project and ensure that it is upgraded to standard.

    The national president of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, Innocent Ajiji, who spoke on behalf of the corporation revealed that the locomotive trains would begin operations before the end of December.

    Ajiji, who applauded the state government for reviving the railway system after years of neglect, said that two locomotive engines and 6 coaches were on the ground to begin operations.

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    He said each coach could carry over a hundred passengers and they would be renovated to meet up with standards.

    He added that though the trains were not new models, they still had a lifespan of more than 50 years from now and are being used in different parts of the country and other parts of the world.

    Ajiji said the rail line which would run from the Kuru Terminal to the Terminus Station would boost the agricultural and economic status of the state and reduce the prices of food as farmers would have a cheaper and faster means of transport.

    Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau applauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the laudable effort, he said the project should gladden and make every Plateau citizen proud.

    He said the idea of governance is to bring development and uplift the lives of the people.

    He said the governor is showing uncommon leadership, focus, determination, and willpower to deliver, and has remained undeterred and unwavering even in the face of very limited resources available to him.

  • FERMA begins rehabilitation of N300m roads in Adamawa

    FERMA begins rehabilitation of N300m roads in Adamawa

    The National office of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said it had begun the rehabilitation of N300 million roads in Adamawa.

    Acting Zonal Director in charge of the northeast, Irikepe -Eugene Baror, told newsmen during the inauguration of the project in Yola yesterday.

    He said the project was 1km road rehabilitation from Shehu Street to Jijji Mansur Street in Yola metropolis aimed at bringing development to the communities.

    “The scope of the project includes cutting of potholes, Stonebase on Potholes, priming with MC1, patching of potholes with Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Course on potholes and failed sections of the road,” he added.

    “The project was part of the 2023 agency’s intervention project which is expected to be completed in three months period,” he said.

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    He added that the agency had also embarked on the rehabilitation of the damaged portion of the 1km Mayobelwa to Ngurore road through direct labour.

    Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in charge of Adamawa State, Babangida Kawuwa, expressed gratitude of the agency to the benefiting communities for their understanding and cooperation over the project.

    “We call on the residents to provide feedback and report any issue that may arise during the project as open lines of communication will be maintained to address concerns and keep the community well-informed,” he said.

    He emphasised that FERMA remained committed to enhancing Nigeria’s road infrastructure as the project was a testimony to the commitment and dedication towards improving the lives of citizens through better transportation networks.