Category: Lead

A Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Mr. Drambi Vandi, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) that is alleged to have shot and killed an expectant lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem in Lagos on Christmas Day.

Vandi was remanded till January 30, 2023 pending advice on the case from the Office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Read Also: Bolanle: NBA demands N5b for lawyer’s family

The order followed an application by the Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN).

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benjamin Hundeyin, made the disclosure in a tweet on his official Twitter handle.

Hundeyin, a Superintendent, said: “Drambi Vandi was, this morning, arraigned in court and has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre till January 30, 2023 to give room for DPP advice.”

Details shortly…

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Garki has issued an order restraining the State Security Service (SSS) and its agents from taking steps to arrest, detain or restrict the movement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linking him with terrorism financing and fraudulent activities.

Justice M. A. Hassan issued the order yesterday while ruling on a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership (ITFAGL).

According to a copy of the enrolled orders sighted in Abuja last night, Justice Hassan held that the SSS “acted wrongfully and illegally in instigating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against Mr. Godwin Emefile in respect of the exercise of his statutory duty relating to the issuance of monetary policies and directives in the interest of the National Security and economy”.

The judge averred that in view of the ruling of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, delivered on December 15, 2022 in a case brought by the SSS against Emefiele, “any continuous harassment, intimidation, threats, restriction, and free movement, abuse of right of office, surreptitious moves to arrest, and humiliation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele over trumped-up allegations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices, among others, by the fourth respondents (SSS) and its offices is vindictive, unwarranted, abrasive, oppressive, and same constitute a flagrant breach of his rights to personal liberty, dignity and human person and illegal and unconstitutional”.

The judge ordered that the SSS, its agents and officers be “restrained from instigating the arrest or arresting, interrogating and detaining Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank governor, in respect of any matter or policy decision on the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or for any connected purposes except by an order of a superior court”.

Justice Hassan also declared that any form of invitation to Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the CBN, in the exercise of his statutory powers, functions and duties and continuous threats by the fourth respondent to surrender his powers to them over trumped-up allegations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices, among others, constitute a flagrant breach of his rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, right to policy making powers, freedom of thought, conscience and religion and movement as respectively provided and enshrined under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and, therefore, unconstitutional and illegal.

The judge further held that the SSS, “whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies or acting through any person or persons howsoever are hereby restrained from further harassing, humiliating, embarrassing, threatening to incarcerate or detain Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the CBN, over trumped-up allegations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices, among others, as well as threats against the peaceable execution of his statutory powers”.

Justice Hassan added: “The fourth respondent, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies or acting through any person or persons howsoever, are hereby restrained from inviting, arresting and/or detaining the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in the guise of having committed any offence, with respect to allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities, etc, or in any other manner whatsoever interfering with his right to freedom of movement, personal liberty, human dignity or interfering with the tenure, functions and discharge of his duties as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria except by an order of superior court.”

Justice Hassan, who held that the other four defendants in the suit were nominal parties, declined to award cost to any of them.

Listed with the SSS as defendants in the case are: the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the CBN.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had, in a ruling on December 15, declined to grant the request of the SSS for an order to arrest, detain and interrogate Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing.

He also rejected the service’s request on the grounds that it, among others, failed to provide evidence to substantiate its allegations against the CBN governor.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed yesterday charged residents of the state to “take up arms and defend” themselves against bandits.

“You are known to be warriors.  You should not allow bad elements to subdue you; defend your land and liberate yourselves,” Mohammed said during his condolence visit to  Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area where bandits killed 20 people in Rimi Village recently.

Many of the residents were said to have been wounded by the bandits in what appeared to be a reprisal.  

The attack come after the Police, in collaboration with vigilance group members, killed 12 suspected bandits in a forest in the district.

Describing the killings as unfortunate,  the governor said it was worrisome that banditry in the area was getting out of hand.

Sounding very angry, Mohammed said:  ”I know you people to be warriors, including your women. That is the way it should be.

“We should defend ourselves from any form of banditry and criminal activities. What you did was the right thing.

 ”From now on, anyone who comes to attack or kill you, defend yourselves.  Attack and kill him; they can’t stop us from living in peace.

“All these communities have been existing for over 500 years, we will not allow these Zamfarawa (bandits) to chase us away from our ancestral land.”

Mohammed,  who spoke at the palace of the District Head, Adamu Duguri,  assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies to protect lives and properties in the state.

Duguri had told the governor that terrorists had of recent been attacking and killing people in communities in the district.

Severance allowances of the 469 members of the National Assembly and their legislative aides will cost the nation N30.17 billion next year. 

The sum is a part of the  N238.78 billion National Assembly appropriated for itself as contained in the  N21.8 trillion 2023 national budget. The assembly okayed the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday.  

The Senate will receive N33.27  billion out of the  N238.78 billion for members’ salaries and other perks while the House of Representatives will get N52 billion for its members..

A further breakdown of the N238.78 billion shows that the National Assembly Office was allocated  N30.49 billion; National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), N10.56 billion; and legislative aides. N16.52 billion. 

In addition, the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of the Senate and House of Representatives were allocated  N119 million and N143 million respectively. 

Other allocations are general services,  N11.30 billion;  National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).  N7.41 billion;  Service Wide Vote, N671 million;  and Office of retired Clerks and Permanent Secretaries, N1.06 billion. 

Furthermore, the Appropriation Committee Departments of the Senate and House are expected to expend N125 million and N165 million respectively next year. 

Other expenditure items are the  National Assembly Library Building (ongoing project),  N4.25 billion;  Hosting of Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments (COSAP), N127.5 million;  NASS Liabilities, N8.5 billion; NASS E-Library, N255 million and  NASS Dashboard, N118.15 million.

 Constitution Review has a budget of  N850 million; the Completion of the National Assembly  Library Complex,  N7.5 billion; the completion of NILDS headquarters, is N2.5billion; the Construction of the Assembly’s building is N10 billion, and Public Complaints Commission, is N10.69 billion.

•Buhari, Obasanjo, Tinubu, Atiku, others salute ex-U.S. ambassador

President Muhammadu Buhari, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flagbearer Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, yesterday mourned Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Prof. George Obiozor.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, lamented the death of the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), saying that it is an immeasurable loss to the country.

He charged mourners to honour his memory by embracing his belief in a united Nigeria beyond any geopolitical consideration.

The president said Obiozor exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat.

Buhari added: “The President believes that the contributions of the unique leader and strong proponent of peace and a stable polity, who also held other strategic public positions, will never be forgotten.”

Obiozor lived a life of service, says Tinubu 

Tinubu in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, noted that the career of Obiozor made him one of the foremost patriots who served the country with diligence, honour and integrity.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ambassador George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. This great Igbo leader and Nigeria’s elder statesman was a distinguished academic and diplomat who served his people and the entire country with honour, dedication and distinction.

“Ambassador Obiozor’s death at this time has again robbed our dear country of one of its finest public servants and committed leaders. As the leader of Ohanaeze, Ambassador Obiozor championed the course of national unity and economic development while seeking a more equitable and even-handed federation where all the constituent units and ethnic groups can live together in peace and harmony.

“The ideals of a better and more inclusive country where justice and equity would prevail, which Ambassador Obiozor lived for will forever be cherished.”

Ohanaeze: he sacrificed personal comfort for Ndigbo

 Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide described Obiozor’s death as a big blow to the Igbo nation.

The group said the late diplomat sacrificed his personal comfort in the service of the race.

In a statement by its spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, the organisation said Obiozor would be remembered as a man who displayed an uncommon intellect, irrepressible courage, candor, tolerance, large heart and equanimity.

The statement reads: “Obiozor was a prodigy and an enigma of some sorts: an erudite reflective scholar of world renown, prophetic intellectual, astute resourceful administrator, sagacious phebian political submarine, seasoned diplomat, cultural reservoir, detribalised patriot, jovial cerebral discussant, among others.

“The most endearing of the Obiozor mystique can be summarised in character; the courage of his convictions, steadfastness and uncompromising commitment to his goals.

“What stands Obiozor out among his peers is his unique intellectual wizardry, profound sense of humour, extraordinary creative imagination, rationality, clear-headedness, unwavering determination and incandescent passion with which he pursues his views even in most hostile or complex circumstances.”

Obasanjo: he was a great diplomat 

Obasanjo said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, that Obiozor was a great diplomat.

He added: “The good work he did while he served as Nigerian Ambassador to Israel and the United States of America was a fitting complement to my administration’s painstaking efforts to re-make the international profile of our dear country.

“Indeed, for the enviable and sensitive positions he occupied both at home and abroad, and the developmental roles he played while in active service, Ambassador Obiozor would be fondly and proudly remembered as a foremost multilateralist, an erudite scholar, a passionate nationalist, and a diplomatic legend of international repute. He was an icon and a true Nigerian.”

Obasanjo noted that “Obiozor acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.

“Until his death, he built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people. He was imbued with an undying love for his people which informed his acceptance to serve as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo so as to assist in ministering to, and advocating for their needs and truly, he was committed to the development and global vision of his people and the entire South-Eastern region of Nigeria till he breathed his last.”

A great loss to Nigeria, says Obi 

Obi described the death of Obiozor as a great loss to Nigeria.

Obi, in his twitter handle, expressed sadness over the news of his death.

He twitted: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.

“He was a dear elder brother and friend.

“Prof. Obiozor was a patriot, renowned academic and diplomat, who served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently.

“He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth.

“The death of this foremost Igbo leader is a huge loss to the entire Obiozor family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians in general.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his family and all who mourn him.”

Atiku: an Iroko has fallen 

Atiku, in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja, said that he received the news of Prof. Obiozor’s death with rude shock.

He described late Obiozor as a charismatic personality, who was much at home in any part of Nigeria.

Atiku added: “He was a consummate diplomat who believed in consensus, and had a stabilising influence.

“His wide experience in diplomatic foreign missions garnered over decades and across diverse postings, came in very handy in making him a pan-Nigerian.

“Prof. Obiozor taught us the essence of large-heartedness because he was generally accepted by even those who were not in support of his candidacy during the election that saw his emergence as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“He was a master of political consensus. A writer famous for his ‘politics of precarious balancing’ in which he espoused balancing the diverse interests in the country.

“He was a promoter of the unity of the nation. Igbo nation will miss him. The whole nation will miss him.”

Atiku prayed for a peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and his immediate family to have the fortitude to bear the loss of its patriarch.

Jonathan: we will miss him

Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness, describing Obiozor’s death as a huge loss to the nation.

Jonathan, in a condolence message he personally signed in Abuja, described him as a great patriot, an accomplished diplomat and foremost nationalist.

The ex-president recounted the deceased’s contributions to the growth and development of the nation.

He said: “Prof. Obiozor was a great patriot whose love for the nation and his people knew no bounds in his selfless service towards the unity and development of our country.

“He was an accomplished diplomat, globally acclaimed scholar and prolific author with a reputation for charming intellectualism and boisterous engagements in international relations and academic research.

“He was a foremost nationalist and Igbo leader who continued to make remarkable impact even in retirement,’’ he said.

Jonathan further said that while serving as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Obiozor robustly deployed his wisdom, knowledge and experience in the last two years to advance the cause of Ndigbo and enhance national integration.

•Why PDP candidate can’t seek elders’ intervention
•‘Don’t sanction Wike, others’

THE refusal of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his allies to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in next year’s election may have put the one-time vice president in a tighter corner.

Wike and his colleagues —  Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi) —who said they will announce the presidential candidate of their choice early next year, have not joined Atiku’s campaign.

It was learnt yesterday that notable party elders, who screened the nominees for Atiku’s running mate, are unwilling to intervene in the face-off between the PDP candidate and the Group of Five Governors (G-5).

Some chieftains of the Rivers State chapter of the party have dared the PDP to sanction the G-5 governors over their position.

They said any move by the party to sanction Wike and his allies will compound the crisis.

As at yesterday, the leadership of the party and the camp of its presidential flagbearer, were undecided on how to address the grievances of the G-5 governors and other aggrieved members, christened “Integrity Group”.

The five governors have been at loggerheads with Atiku and the PDP over the refusal of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to step down as National Chairman of the opposition party.

Other members of Integrity Group, who have insisted that Ayu should resign include former PDP National Deputy Chairman Chief Olabode George, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, ex-Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke.

There were feelers from the United Kingdom (UK), where the G-5 has been holding talks that Wike and his allies have decided not support Atiku as candidate of their party.

A reliable PDP source confided in our correspondent that not a few party elders have washed their hands off the Atiku/G-5 rift.

The source, who did not want his name in print, said the party elders felt left out in some key decisions taken by Atiku and the party leadership.

The source said: “In the first place, many of these elders were members of a committee that Atiku set up to help him pick a suitable candidate to be his running mate. It is public knowledge that this committee of elders had picked Governor Wike for the vice presidential slot, only for Atiku to jettison their choice and pick a different person.

“So, these party elders, including Chief David Mark, have been made to feel that their opinions do not matter on such critical issues affecting the party. That is why it is difficult for these same elders to approach Governor Wike and his colleagues in the G-5 with any reconciliation talks.”

Those who joined former Senate President Mark in the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate Selection Committee were: PDP Deputy National Chairman Umar Damagum; former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu and Ortom, among others.

Noting that the position taken by the G-5 governors might hurt Atiku’s presidential bid, another party source said it’s too late for anyone to salvage the situation.

He said: “The election is just about two months away with the Southeast and Southsouth slipping away. The PDP is not even sure of its hold in the Northcentral this time around.

“A larger percentage of the proverbial 12 million northern votes that used to be for Buhari will certainly go to the APC candidate in 2023. It’s mere wishful thinking for the PDP to expect APC governors in the Northeast and the Northwest to ditch their own candidate and work for Atiku’s success during the election.”

Many PDP stakeholders were also of the strong view that “it’s too late for Atiku or the PDP to respond to the demands of the G-5″.

Brazilian football legend Pele, arguably the greatest player ever, has died at the age of 82.

He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.

He had been suffering from kidney and prostrate problems in recent years, the BBC Sports reports.

Pele had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests.

He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.

His daughter Kely Nascimento has kept fans updated on her father’s condition with regular social media updates from the hospital.

On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body in the hospital.

She wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has paid glowing tribute to the President-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor, for his distinguished life of service to Nigeria and Igbo race.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma announced the passing of the distinguished academic and diplomat, Obiozor, Wednesday evening in Owerri, the state capital.

Asiwaju Tinubu noted that the career of Prof Obiozor, who was at various times the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Ambassador of Nigeria to Israel and High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cyprus, made the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader one of the foremost patriots who served the country with diligence, honour and integrity.

The APC presidential candidate, in his condolence message to the family, government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo and Nigerians, noted that Ambassador Obiozor served the country with pride and distinction, lamenting, however, that death has once again robbed Nigeria of one of its finest statesmen.

Asíwájú Tinubu said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ambassador George Obiozor, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Read Also: Great diplomat, Igbo leader Obiozor will be missed, say Buhari, Ohanaeze

“This great Igbo leader and Nigeria’s elder statesman was a distinguished academic and diplomat who served his people and the entire country with honour, dedication and distinction.

“Ambassador Obiozor’s death at this time has again robbed our dear country of one of its finest public servants and committed leaders.

“As the leader of Ohaneze, Ambassador Obiozor championed the course of national unity and economic development while seeking a more equitable and even-handed federation where all the constituent units and ethnic groups can live together in peace and harmony.

“The ideals of a better and more inclusive country where justice and equity would prevail, which Ambassador Obiozor lived for will forever be cherished.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with the family of our departed statesman, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, the government and people of Imo State and the entire Igbo people over the passing of Ambassador Obiozor.

“May God Almighty comfort his loved ones and all those he left behind and also grant his soul eternal rest.”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said it will demand at least N5billion compensation for the family of slain Lagos lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.

It will also monitor the trial of Assistant Superintendent, Drambi Vandi, who shot and killed Mrs. Raheem in Lagos on Christmas Day.

NBA Lagos Branch member and rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), in a statement on Thursday, said he was appointed to lead the monitoring team. 

Mrs. Raheem, an expectant mother, was in her car in the Ajah area of Lagos on her way back from church with her family when she was shot.

Adegboruwa said: “The NBA Lagos in conjunction with the NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased.

“In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry of Justice during the trial.

“Mr. Adegboruwa has in turn obtained relevant briefing from the Hon. Attorney-General of Lagos State and has secured the assurances of an accelerated prosecution once the case file is received from the police.”

“The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government, and indeed the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee.

Read Also: Slain lawyer: IGP suspends suspect ASP Vandi

“The NBA will seek for payment of damages not less than five billion naira in addition to the prosecution of the killer cop.”

Adegboruwa urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to follow the model that he adopted during the EndSARS Judicial Panel to “pay compensation to the family of Mrs. Raheem immediately since it is an established fact that her life was terminated illegally by a policeman.”

The SAN called for the immediate implementation of the EndSARS Judicial Panel Report in which far-reaching recommendations were made in relation to:

“1. Psychological orientation for all police officers in the handling and use of weapons;

“2. Training for police officers on basic human rights observance and enforcement;

“3. Improving the welfare of all police officers in terms of their take-home pay, conditions of service, their places of work, and residences in order to make them more conducive;

“4. Recruitment of more police officers to reduce the pressure upon the existing officers whose number is not adequate to effectively police the country.”

Adegboruwa believes it was unacceptable that the issues that led to the 5 for 5 demands of the youths and the EndSARS protests in 2020 had not been addressed despite repeated promises from the government.

He urged the government and the relevant authorities to “go beyond mere press statements of lamentations on the gruesome murder of Mrs. Raheem and to accelerate the prosecution of the killer and payment of compensation to the family of the deceased and all other victims of police brutality”.